Justice…

Speaking at the Liberal Democrat party conference, Hughes said he had persuaded his colleagues at the Ministry of Justice to find a solution to the increasing number of unrepresented members of the public appearing in court.

Hughes suggested there would be a renewed emphasis on mediation: "I am hoping you will hear encouraging announcements in the very near future to address the question of how to support litigants in person and support people without needing to give them lawyers."

He continued: "I am conscious how difficult it is. My wish would be, irrespective, is that everybody before they come to court has the opportunity to talk through with people exactly what the issues are."

He added that the problem of litigants in person was "not just a family issue" but is one that has increased across all civil cases.