Figures show rise in numbers unable to access legal aid lawyer, with knock-on implications for clearing backlog

Keir Starmer’s pledge to clear the asylum backlog is under threat because of a shortage of legal aid solicitors, experts have said.

More than 54,000 people seeking asylum or appealing against a refusal in a tribunal in England and Wales this year – 57% of the total – were unable to access a legal aid lawyer, figures show.