Another day, another insult, but are we so apathetic that we sigh and say ‘oh well’ when Mike Penning MP throws 'ambulance chasing insults' at us

The landscape is changing, yet many lawyers I speak to do not appear to fully realise the potential impact of the government’s drive to legislate over perception rather than fact.

Concerted efforts by government and insurers continue to fuel the ‘perception culture’ – hurling inflammatory insults in the hope that if enough mud is thrown some of it will stick.

Our industry is segmented with differing views but collectively we all want to ensure the continuity of access to justice for claimants injured due to the negligence of others. That is their right. The drive to make claimants and their lawyers feel a sense of social guilt for pursuing legal rights is unacceptable.

The Access to Justice Campaign complements the good work being done by membership organisations. The campaign needs the input of the many excellent lawyers up and down the country whose clients and livelihoods are threatened by the proposals under consideration. Exercise control over your future by alerting your local MP to the impact of the proposed changes, sign the petition and join the email campaign.

Please don’t leave active involvement until a decision is made for you and your future clients. The ripple effect of proposals going through unchallenged will affect every area of the industry – defendant lawyers and insurance company employees included.

Barbara Hamilton-Bruce, director of legal operations, Accident Advice Helpline Direct LimitedStanmore