Co-ordinated non co-operation

I refer to A M Robinson's letter (see [2000] Gazette, 11 May, 18).

I have already stated on a number of occasions that I oppose the principle of a legal aid strike.

May I say that the suggestion of a campaign of non-co-operation with the Legal Services Commission appears to me to be an eminently sensible way forward? It is quite clear from the Lord Chancellor's remarks that he categorises legal aid practitioners as less competent.

For some reason, that is no doubt apparent to the Lord Chancellor, he expresses his distinction when dealing with remuneration, but not with other issues such as the award of higher rights of audience, where the less competent are expected to reach an equal standard with their exalted City colleagues.If there is to be a campaign of non-co-operation then clearly it must be properlyco-ordinated.

The Lord Chancellor's remarks appear equally insulting to members of the Bar.

I for one take no comfort from the fact that in reporting Lord Irvine's comments, the response appears to relate only to members of the Criminal Law Solicitors Association, and not to the Law Society.

Our president has suggested the Law Society is a suitable body to lead both sides of the profession in this new century.

An opportunity now exists for him to show how this is to be achieved.R Rixon, Rixons Solicitors, Folkestone, Kent