Administration of Justice

The Government has made clear commitments to governing within the rule of law, and to promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law around the world. The rule of law therefore underpins the work done by the Ministry of Justice right across the justice system.

The Ministry of Justice supports the UK’s legal services internationally by working to address market access barriers and promoting the legal sector, including through the ‘GREAT Legal Services’ campaign. Legal services will also form an important part of plans for professional and business services under the Government’s Industrial Strategy, in recognition of the key role they play in driving growth. The Government recently passed the Arbitration Act 2025 as one of its first acts of legislation. This will support the growth of London and the UK as a world leading jurisdiction for arbitration.

To support access to justice, we announced in December 2024 that criminal legal aid solicitors will receive up to £92 million more a year to help address ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system and deliver justice for victims. This is in addition to the £24 million increase for criminal legal aid solicitors announced in November, in response to the ‘Crime Lower’ consultation. We are also consulting on uplifts to fees for immigration and housing legal aid. Subject to consultation, an additional £20 million will be invested in the civil legal aid sector every year in steady state.

The Department also continues to fund the activities of advice charities to bolster the delivery of essential advice and support services and improve access to legal support for people with social welfare problems. In the financial year 2025/26 we will provide over £6 million to 60 frontline organisations to help improve access to legal support