Jo Stevens

On 1st April I took part in a rally with Justice Alliance UK and Napo, the National Union of Probation Officers, standing up to Chris Grayling's flawed justice policies. Cuts to Legal Aid are denying people access to justice and privatisation of the probation service - with companies like Sodexo, Serco and G4S running probation - will lead to job losses and will compromise public safety.

There was huge support at the rally from solicitors, striking probation officers, people working in justice at all levels and other supporters who heard from a range of speakers in the shadow of parliament, that included MPs, NAPO's General Secretary, a comedian and probation officers. 

I spoke about Grayling's failings, including the disastrous Work Programme he introduced in his former role as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. I also reminded the crowd of the Liberal Democrats' role in privatising probation and implementing legal aid cuts, supporting Tory ideology against all objective advice, and that this authoritarian way of working, with no debate, is dangerous to the justice system in Wales and England. 

As a solicitor I am passionate about maintaining a strong and fair justice system, with access for all. This includes effective rehabilitation for offenders to enable them to contribute positively to society. 

We also heard from Shadow Justice Minister Andy Slaughter MP and Jenny Chapman MP, Shadow Prisons and Probation Minister, who both slammed Grayling's reforms as 'reckless' and gave their full support to all who are fighting for not only fair terms of work, but also for a fair and just legal system.

I will continue to campaign for a fair legal system accessible to those who need it, and a fair society. If you are with me, why not sign up as a supporter, or join me for a campaign session in your local area? 

We must stop this coalition government and replace them with a Labour government which will stand up for the many, not the few.

You can read more about the rally on The Justice Gap website.

Click here to find out more about Justice Alliance UK's campaign to save Legal Aid. 

Click here to find out more about Napo and the campaign to save Probation from privatisation.

I was pleased this week to see that Cardiff University has decided to apply for accreditation as a Living Wage employer. This is great news.  

Since the Lib Dem and Tory government came in to office wages have been falling behind the rising cost of living. People are working harder, for longer, for less. 

I hope many other local business and organisations follow Cardiff University's lead and become Living Wage employers. 

You can read more about this story, including quotes from Cardiff South and Penarth Labour MP Stephen Doughty, in the Penarth Times. 

Today, 5th February, marks 182 years since the introduction of voter registration. Then, in 1832, the number of eligible voters in a borough varied from six to 12,000, with the selection of some MPs controlled by one person. We have come a long way since then, but there is still much more we can do.

In the 2010 general election, only 44% of 18 to 24 year-olds voted, while 76% of those aged 65 and over cast their vote. At the moment, only half of all young people are registered to vote. Certain groups are disproportionately under-represented. Only 56% of people living in private rented homes are registered. Nearly half of those not registered to vote mistakenly believe that they are.

This democratic deficit affects us all and it’s in all our interests to change this for the better. The electoral register performs a hugely important civic function. You can only vote, and choose the politicians who represent you, if you are on the register. It also ensures citizens are properly counted for the drawing of political boundaries – by ward and constituency – meaning the voice of Cardiff Central is heard. For our criminal justice system, the register enables selection for jury service.

From next year, each individual will have to register, rather than the traditional method of a household survey.

To register and to ensure you have a voice, simply visit About My Vote, or contact Cardiff County Council Electoral Services at County Hall, electoralservices@cardiff.gov.uk 029 2087 2087.

You can find out more about the benefits of voting, and how to decide who to vote for, on the Bite the Ballot website. Keep up with activity all around the country today by following the hashtag #NVRD on Twitter.