Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, speaking in response to the announcement that bail terms will now generally be limited to 28 days, said:

“This is a welcome move, which ought to end open-ended bail periods for all but exceptional cases.

“But in general this Government has been cutting access to justice, with new tribunal fees and deep cuts to legal aid. Recent laws have also reduced the privacy of citizens. This change to bail is a move in the right direction, but most Government policy is going the opposite way.”