Legal aid cuts 'undermine law'

President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger has warned that cuts to legal aid may have gone too far.

Speaking to the BBC he said the two most important things a government can do is protect the country from invasion, and ensure the rule of law at home.

More: Legal aid cuts 'damaging rule of law'

Lord Neuberger said that in removing legal aid from most civil cases the government may have went "too far."

The country's top judge has warned that cuts to legal aid are undermining the rule of law, and people's belief in government and "the whole democratic system." Speaking for the first time since taking up post, on the BBC's Law in Action, due to be broadcast this afternoon, Lord Neuberger said:

Lord Neuberger’s comments come as cuts to the £2 billion legal aid come into affect next month.

The government hopes to save £400 million by removing legal aid from most civil cases, such as debt, welfare, family disputes and some housing.

The UK's most senior judge said it was "unfortunate" that Home Secretary Theresa May had attacked judges when discussing human rights and deportation.

Read: Home Secretary accuses judges of 'subverting' British democracy

But Lord Neuberger, President of the Supreme Court, said he would not get into a "slanging" match with Mrs May, though he did say he thought "attacking judges" was not a sensible way for politicians to proceed. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Law in Action programme he said:

"It is unfortunate that the Home Secretary has acted and spoken as she has done."