Legal Aid gravy train leaves sour taste

I am not saying every human rights lawyer is driven by the insatiable, quick financial reward of Legal Aid, I am questioning the morality of those who are.

For example, instinctively I would agree that forced marriage is against human rights, a UK citizen in these circumstances is deserving of Legal Aid. But I struggle with a member of the British military claiming he was not provided with his own specialist cold weather protection while on training exercises now suing his regiment.

I am left astounded by UK soldiers having returned home after surviving war zones years later finding themselves on the receiving end of court action by Legal Aid-financed human rights lawyers representing enemy personnel.

Following the Northern Ireland troubles Tony Blair pardoned the IRA and they were free to live their lives, but 21st century military personal are not awarded that same prominence.

I am old enough to have seen the ruthless punishment dished out to so called deserters during the Second World War. Today the British Justice system, based on innocent until proven guilty, appears hell bent on retribution against the very people who stare death in the face to keep us all safe.

Punishment should fit the crime and we could learn from some other countries.

Vic Tonks, Dawley

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