Cuts in the provision of legal aid are perhaps an inevitable if uncomfortable consequence of the economic mess that we find ourselves in. However, we now learn that justice secretary Ken Clarke’s new-found enthusiasm for keeping offenders out of the prison system is matched by contemplation of a plan to reverse the landmark Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 – by withdrawing solicitors from providing face-to-face advice at police stations and at interview, and substituting a telephone consultation instead.

In his relentless pursuit of savings, no doubt the justice secretary may also contemplate substituting a similar chat on the phone for defence representation at criminal trials.

Is it now time for another Magna Carta?

David Kirwan , higher court advocate and senior partner, Kirwans, Merseyside