Justice Secretary calls for ‘full force of sanctions’ towards unscrupulous legal professionals
T
he Justice Secretary has known as on the regulatory physique for solicitors in England and Wales to wield the “full force of sanctions” towards unscrupulous legal professionals after an investigation alleged false asylum claims are being submitted for a payment.
The Daily Mail mentioned a number of solicitors agreed to assist an undercover reporter posing as an financial migrant submit a phoney software in alternate for hundreds of kilos.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) strictly prohibits legal professionals from deceiving courts, and any act of dishonesty or lack of integrity might end in them being struck off.
I’d strongly encourage you to make use of the total drive of sanctions accessible to you towards solicitors the place there’s a discovering of a breach.
In a letter to the chair of the SRA, Mr Chalk additionally known as for a follow-up to the SRA’s immigration recommendation assessment performed final 12 months, as he emphasised the significance of “ensuring public confidence in our immigration system”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned: “While the vast majority of lawyers take their professional responsibilities seriously, these allegations of exploitation and unscrupulous practice brought to light by the Mail are truly shocking and it is vital that those found to be abusing their position face the full consequences of their actions.
“I am determined to rebuild the public’s confidence that it is their country and their Government who should decide who comes here, not people looking to profit from undermining our laws.
“That’s why this Government will continue to strain every sinew to end the abuse of our system and stop the boats.”
In his letter to the SRA, the Justice Secretary mentioned: “I would strongly encourage you to use the full force of sanctions available to you against solicitors where there is a finding of a breach.
“Solicitors are critical to the operation of a fair immigration system. I know that the overwhelming majority take their professional duties and obligations extremely seriously.
“However, any examples of practices which fall short of the high ethical standards we expect of solicitors risk serious disruption to the immigration system, tarnishing the reputation of those working in this area, and critically undermining public confidence.”
On the assessment, he mentioned: “Ensuring public confidence in our immigration system is a top priority for the Government. I was therefore appalled to read recent examples in the media of apparent abuse of the system by individuals relied upon to give legal advice.
“In light of these recent allegations, I would urge you to undertake a targeted follow-up to last year’s thematic review as soon as possible.”
The SRA’s immigration and asylum thematic assessment discovered that the general high quality was passable and that there have been no widespread or systemic failings or points with high quality.
However, it agreed there have been areas for enchancment, resembling proof of supervision and reporting of misconduct.