Rwanda Bill
Independent, Gazette, Gazette Ireland, New York Times (£), Economic Times, Big Issue and Exclusive Global News report that the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill has been pushed through Parliament.
Law Society vice president Richard Atkinson said: “The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill will soon become law but it remains a defective, constitutionally improper piece of legislation.
“It is extremely disappointing that the sensible amendments made by peers to remove some of the bill’s worse excesses have been ignored.
“This bill is a backward step for the rule of law and the UK’s constitutional balance and it limits access to justice. Some of the most vulnerable asylum seekers will now be at further risk due to this fundamentally flawed bill.
“UK government must be extremely careful about how it implements the legislation, ensuring it continues to work with the domestic courts and in line with our international obligations and commitments.”
First Post also covers the Law Society’s response to the passing of the Rwanda Bill.
Director of Public Affairs, David McNeill, said: “It negates a finding of fact of the UK Supreme Court, stating in law that Rwanda is ‘safe’ regardless of evidence that Rwanda is not safe.”
Chair of the Law Society’s immigration law committee, Muhunthan Paramesvaran, speaks to BBC about the Rwanda policy.
Chris Cole, member of the Law Society’s immigration committee, speaks to the Financial Times (£) about next steps in the Rwanda deportation plan.
Rule of law
Gazette covers the Law Society and Bar Council joint event with Shabana Mahmood MP to discuss the rule of law.
The piece mentions the Law Society’s concerns about the crisis in duty solicitors.
Vice president Richard Atkinson said: “Whilst it is a laudable ambition, without significant funding and improvement in the morale of the profession, the prospect of the ambition being fulfilled is highly questionable.”
Legal Needs Survey
LawCareers.Net continues coverage of the launch of the Legal Needs Survey. This new research by the Law Society and the Legal Services Board reveals that two thirds of adults in England and Wales have experienced at least one legal issue in the last four years.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “The data suggests that there might be a gap in respondents' knowledge regarding the nature of their issue and therefore, seek alternative professionals for advice. These findings present an opportunity for legal professionals to address a large untapped market of individuals who could benefit from solicitors to resolve legal needs.”
Renters Reform Bill
Big Issue reports the Law Society’s reaction to the Renters Reform Bill and its ban on ‘no-fault’ evictions, as MPs conclude consideration of the Bill this week.
The piece mentions our research on housing legal aid deserts, as almost 44% of the population does not have a housing legal aid provider in their local area.
Gender pay gap report
World Intellectual Property Review covers the Law Society’s gender pay gap report.
Climate and hybrid working
Jonathan Goldsmith, chair of the Law Society’s Policy & Regulatory Affairs Committee, writes in the Gazette about the relationship between hybrid working and climate awareness.
Also worth a read:
- Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner condemns Rwanda policy - Guardian
- What could stop Rwanda flights? – Times (£), i news (£)
- Review of third-party litigation funding set to publish an interim report this summer – Legal Futures
- Family court judges remain apprehensive about security - Gazette
- New initiative to integrate prison leavers into the workforce and reduce reoffending – Solicitors Journal
- Pressure grows to reform cohabiting couples’ rights – Financial Times (£)
- Analysis: ethical dilemma of the Post Office scandal - Financial Times (£)
- Post Office chief complained that lawyers put integrity above the business – Gazette
- Lawyers question UK fraud agency over case disclosure problems – Financial Times (£)
- Asylum seekers on Bibby Stockholm describe ‘prison-like’ conditions – Independent
- Channel boat crush kills five migrants - Independent
- PM does not rule out July general election - i news (£)