Goliaths Can Fall!

Earlier this year someone said that TR is a done deal and that Goliath has won.  It must be acknowledged that TR is a powerful force which endangers the Public, the Criminal Justice System and thousands of public sector workers. The threat is very real and Minister Grayling, the Government’s champion still stands and challenges all who would oppose his plans.

THE THREAT FACED BY BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS.

THE THREAT FACING THE PROBATION TRUSTS

“Courage in the face of adversity” – Ian Lawrence Writes, “A read across to the campaign of intimidation and disinformation being waged against Probation by Chris Grayling and his still ever growing army of civil servants, spin doctors and now we hear in addition, Ernst and Young Consultancy (who the Taxpayer will subsidise to the tune of around £1000 per day per consultant so that they give the answers that their paymaster wants to hear), is creating massive despondency and outright despair judging by the feedback we have been receiving.

Jim Brown Points out in On Probation Blog that, “We started the year complaining (quite rightly) that not many people know about Probation.  They do now.  The debates in both Houses of Parliament, the Justice Select Committee, the Joint Committee on Human Rights, the media coverage, the signing of public petitions, the motions against TR passed in town halls, the parliamentary lobby, the roasting of government ministers on the news, uncovering of the ugly side of privatisation in London CP, the walk outs, the demos, the strike, we have pressed home our argument and raised our profile. 

Pat Waterman in her interview with the Artist Taxi Driver says we face a large stone, but we must attempt to overcome it.

Jim Brown points out again thatThe government originally said  “no continuous service for your members”.  Knowing the strength of our membership, they capitulated when we demanded 7 years.  Voluntary redundancy- taken off the table on a ministerial whim- is now put firmly back in the agreement.  This doesn’t prohibit our vigorous campaign against TR or mean there aren’t further problems, but we couldn’t achieve that in negotiation without the confidence that members will stand up and take action. 

TRANSFORMING REHABILITATION  IS NOT A DONE DEAL AND GOLIATH HAS NOT WON YET.

I seem to remember that Goliaths Can Fall.

History has often shown that when what seems to be the underdog chooses not to play by Goliath's rules they win.

Barrister Sam Parham said, It will be great to see probation officers showing solidarity with The Criminal Bar & solicitors on 6th January 2014. I dearly hope you'll fight to save legal aid, access to justice & probation service from dreadful attacks by MoJ & Grayling. Excellent that Law Society are supporting this - essential we all stick together - vital Grayling sees he's united everyone involved in criminal justice.