Government asked about partygate legal advice for junior staff

During justice questions, under-secretary James Cartlidge was asked by SNP spokesperson Stuart C. McDonald whether junior Downing Street staff will be consulted “on the significance of access to and the affordability of criminal legal advice”.

McDonald made the point that partygate could “help inform government policy of legal advice” amid reports that there has been a link between an ability to pay for legal advice and the number of fixed penalty notices.

Cartlidge didn’t entertain the provocative question, telling McDonald that “it’s a nice try” but the government’s focus is “for the British people”.