UK Justice: Michael Gove aims to take on 'two-nation' legal system that fails the poor

Michael Gove is to go full-tilt against what he terms Britain's "two-nation" justice system that allows the wealthy to enjoy "gold standard" services while many victims of crime are failed badly.

In his first major speech since becoming Justice Secretary, Gove will say: "Despite our deserved global reputation for legal services, not every element of our justice system is world-beating."

According to the text released by his ministry, the 23 June speech to the Legatum Institute think tank the Lord Chancellor will add: "While those with money can secure the finest legal provision in the world, the reality in our courts for many of our citizens is that the justice system is failing them. Badly.

"There are two nations in our justice system at present. On the one hand, the wealthy, international class who can choose to settle cases in London with the gold standard of British justice.

"And then everyone else, who has to put up with a creaking, outdated system to see justice done in their own lives. The people who are let down most badly by our justice system are those who must take part in it through no fault or desire of their own: victims and witnesses of crime, and children who have been neglected."

Gove says too many cases are derailed by the late arrival of prisoners, video links that do not work and missing paperwork.

"The waste and inefficiency inherent in such a system are obvious. But perhaps even more unforgivable is the human cost.

"It is the poorest in our society who are disproportionately the victims of crime, and who find themselves at the mercy of this creaking and dysfunctional system.

"Women who have the bravery to report domestic violence, assault and rape. Our neighbours who live in those parts of our cities scarred by drug abuse, gangs and people trafficking.

"These are the people who suffer twice - at the hands of criminals, and as a result of our current criminal justice system."