Justice secretary calls for ‘sanctions’ towards rogue solicitors amid false asylum claims allegations

The justice secretary has referred to as on the Solicitors Regulation Authority to make use of the “full force of sanctions” following allegations false asylum claims are being submitted for a price.

The Daily Mail reported quite a few solicitors agreed to assist an undercover reporter posing as an financial migrant submit a false asylum utility in change for hundreds of kilos.

The SRA is an impartial regulatory physique for solicitors in England and Wales. Its guidelines forestall legal professionals from deceptive courts, and performing dishonestly or with a scarcity of integrity may see somebody struck off.

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Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has written to the SRA and has additionally referred to as for a follow-up to the evaluate the physique carried out on immigration recommendation final yr – highlighting the significance of “ensuring public confidence in our immigration system”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated: “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’m decided to rebuild the general public’s confidence that it’s their nation and their authorities who ought to determine who comes right here, not individuals seeking to revenue from undermining our legal guidelines.

“That’s why this government will continue to strain every sinew to end the abuse of our system and stop the boats.”

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In his letter to the SRA, Mr Chalk stated: “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 crucial to the operation of a good immigration system. I do know that the overwhelming majority take their skilled duties and obligations extraordinarily severely.

“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 evaluate, he added: “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 mild of those current allegations, I might urge you to undertake a focused follow-up to final yr’s thematic evaluate as quickly as potential.”

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The SRA’s immigration and asylum thematic evaluate discovered the general high quality was passable and there have been no widespread or systemic failings or points with high quality.

However, there have been areas for enchancment, comparable to proof of supervision and reporting of misconduct.