Law Society response to bill to tackle small boats
The West Observer, Time News, the Limited Times and El País report our response to the new asylum bill.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “The rule of law is undermined if the UK government takes the view that it can break laws – international or domestic.
“If a government breaks the law, it breaks the trust of its own citizens and its international allies.
“The government has already conceded the bill may not comply with international human rights law (European Convention on Human Rights) and questions remain about compatibility with the UN Refugee Convention.”
Ahead of the second reading of the bill today, the Gazette speaks to Lubna Shuja, who said: “The bill would also give the Home Secretary broad powers, drastically reduce oversight by British courts and diminish access to justice for those seeking asylum.
“The near-total ban on asylum this bill proposes would mean most refugees seeking asylum in the UK in future would be refused the protection they have as a right under the UN Refugee Convention.
“The Home Secretary would also have the power to deport unaccompanied children, potentially exposing them to human trafficking and other risks, with no clarity on how this power could be used. This may breach the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“If the UK were to violate international law in this way it would jeopardise the British government’s reputation for upholding the rule of law and delivering justice. This would rock the UK’s standing as a reliable nation that upholds its international responsibilities, which has underpinned its position as an attractive hub of global investment and a bastion of the rule of law.”
21st Century Justice project
The Gazette, Solicitors Journal, Dispatchist and Law360 (£) report on the launch of our 21st Century Justice project.
Law Society Deputy Vice President Richard Atkinson said: “Our aim is to lead the debate and identify systemic improvements that will serve society now and far into the future. We will be drawing on the expertise of our council and committee members as well as that of external stakeholders and those who use the justice system.”
Richard also wrote a piece in the Gazette.
Financial Benchmarking survey
The Gazette, Solicitors Journal and Dispatchist cover our annual Financial Benchmarking survey, which shows law firms sustaining pandemic profit rises.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “It is encouraging to see law firms continuing to perform strongly, especially given the difficult economic climate we are all facing. As the cost-of-living crisis hits England and Wales the legal sector will continue to be an important driver of the UK’s economy.
“It is good to see firms focusing on helping staff deal with the crisis and increasing salaries to retain and recruit staff. Of course, some firms struggle more than others, with lack of government investment continuing to hit legal aid firms.”
The Gazette also runs an in-depth piece looking at the figures.
Rape crisis
The failings of the Crown Prosecution Service, offences by police officers and government’s failure to tackle the backlog of 60,000 Crown Court cases risk shattering public confidence in how rape cases are dealt with.
Our Head of Public Law Ellie Cumbo tells the Gazette: “The most recent data shows that, at the end of September 2022, it took on average 766 days from the offence being committed to a charge being made by the police in adult rape cases.
“The delays in the courts mean that both victims and defendants are having to wait far too long to get the justice they have a right to expect.”
Also worth a read:
- 12-month prison sentence for Soophia Khan, but SRA fight continues – Gazette & Legal Futures
- Gary Lineker row: Pressure mounts on BBC chair over suspension – Guardian
- Caroline Flack: Mum does not accept Met Police apology – BBC News
- Tube strike will go ahead on Wednesday – Evening Standard