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Legal aid changes made despite row

Controversial changes to criminal legal aid have been passed, despite opposition from some at Holyrood and lawyers.

PROTEST: Scottish lawyers demonstrate outside the Scottish Parliament over the changes being made to legal aid. Picture: Gordon Terris
PROTEST: Scottish lawyers demonstrate outside the Scottish Parliament over the changes being made to legal aid. Picture: Gordon Terris

MSPs backed legislation that will mean people with a disposable income of £82 a week will have to make a contribu- tion towards the cost of their defence.

Defence solicitors had previously gone on strike over the changes, which will also see them collect the money instead of the Scottish Legal Aid Board.

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Finance

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