§ David DavisTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what legal aid entitlement is available to(a) UK citizens and (b) non-UK citizens when charged with (i) civil and (ii) criminal offences. [156228]
§ Mr. LammyThere are no nationality or residency requirements for using the courts in the United Kingdom. The availability of civil and criminal legal aid follows the same basic principle. Any individual, whether they are a UK citizen or not, may make an application for civil or criminal legal aid in any of the three jurisdictions within the United Kingdom (England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland). The applicant, however, must pass the relevant merits and means criteria for the civil or criminal schemes within the jurisdiction where the application is made, and, in addition. the legal proceedings for which legal aid is sought must have originated within that jurisdiction.