A new legal high has surfaced in which the Tory Crime Prevention Minister, James Brokenshire, has advised that they will fast-track bans on emerging legal highs.  Since the ban of mephedrone, also known as ‘miaow miaow’, new legal highs are begining to surface and if not careful, could potentially flood the market.  Brokenshire said:  ”We are going to change our drug laws so we can respond quickly to emerging substances by introducing a temporary ban while we seek full scientific advice.”

Alan Johnson, Labour’s last Home Secretary has admitted and apologised for his party’s failure to tackle binge drinking during his tenure.  He said:  ‘I regret not doing more to tackle the problems caused by binge drinking during my period in office. The Government is right to stop alcohol being sold below cost price. It’s something we should have done.’  Labour has been condemned for introducing 24-hour drinking (Tony Blair) and reducing alcohol-related taxes by £200million (Gordon Brown).

Johnson’s successor Theresa May has been commended for plans to prohibit shops from selling alcohol below cost price.

Mr Johnson said: ‘I regret not doing more to tackle the problems caused by binge drinking during my period in office. The Government is right to stop alcohol being sold below cost price. It’s something we should have done.’

It’s this time of year again where legal aid lawyers are recognised for their work and achievements under recognition of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards, in its eighth year running.  The awards recognise the achievements of legal aid lawyers in the frontline of providing services in both criminal and civil legal aid.

Trimega sponsored the Social & Welfare Lawyer of the Year Award category which was awarded to Kathy Meade from Tower Hamlets Law Centre.  Trimega congratulates Kathy as a Solicitor and Caseworker who has shown dedication to providing vital services to some of the poorest communities in the UK.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to leading legal aid barrister Michael Mansfield QC for his career at the Bar spanning 40 years.  Michael’s commitment to publicly-funded work includes key historical events:  the Orgreave miners, Guildford Four and Birmingham Six appeals, the Marchioness disaster, the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, and the Stockwell shooting.  Upon accepting this award, Michael urged practitioners to fight threatened cuts in the legal aid budget.

Special congratulations also goes to the rest of the winners of the various categories:

Criminal defence lawyer - Peter Mahy, whose case before the European Court of Human Rights (S and Marper v UK) established it is unlawful to retain the DNA of innocent people.

Young legal aid solicitor - Katherine Craig, who specialises in actions against the police.

Young legal aid barrister - Adam Straw of Tooks Chambers for his work representing families at inquests.

Family legal aid lawyer - David Jockelson who has trained in psychotherapy and as a parenting workshop facilitator.

Mental health lawyer - Sophy Miles who has a raft of reported cases, including JE v DE, which was a leading decision about deprivation of liberty and mental capacity.

Immigration lawyer of the year - Amie Henshall who was praised for her ability to put vulnerable clients at ease.

Legal aid barrister - Mark Henderson who is highly regarded for his immigration work.

Legal aid firm/Not-for-profit agency - Just for Kids Law/Lawrence & Co which goes the extra mile to provide mentoring and other services to its young clients.

A report released this month and commissioned by the government has been released by the Institute of Alcohol Studies, carried out by Sir Peter North, recommending that current prescribed alcohol limits for driving are lowered from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.  This brings the limit in line with most European countries with countries such as Sweden, Poland, Belgium and the Czech Republic who take a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach.  The recommendation however appears to possibly bring those who have had just one drink over the new recommended limit.

The report cites 51 recommendations in which the government has said it would consider.

Safety campaigners and drivers’ groups welcome this report.

See info on blood alcohol testing.

Well done to Professor Ian Gilmore who has been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his role in campaigning for measures to tackle alcohol misuse and calling for changes to include a ban on alcohol advertising.