Rwanda policy
iNews (£) covers the Law Society’s concerns about the workability of the Safety of Rwanda Bill.
Law Society vice president Richard Atkinson said: “This unworkable bill aims to set a dangerous legal and constitutional precedent by legislating to overturn an evidence-based finding of fact by UK courts.
“We urge peers to carefully scrutinise this bill and recognise the Supreme Court’s finding cannot be overturned overnight by parliamentary legislation.”
Mandatory mediation abandoned for separating couples
New Law Journal and STEP Journal report that the UK government has abandoned plans to force separating couples to mediate.
Vice president Richard Atkinson said: “Getting a divorce can be a stressful and highly emotional time for separating couples and for those with children. It’s important that a case is heard in the right place, so they can quickly and sensitively sort out their living arrangements.
“We are pleased the government will be using early legal advice to ensure families get the justice that’s right for them, whether it’s mediation, litigation or non-court dispute resolution.
“Having the conversation early could mean a dispute is settled sooner.”
Criminal legal aid
The Gazette covers the UK government’s decision to give criminal legal aid solicitors a pay boost for police station work. The Law Society expresses concern that the boost still falls short of the minimum recommended by the Bellamy review.
President Nick Emmerson said: “The consultation paper recognises that a standard fee scheme, which better reflects the actual work solicitors are required to do, is the way forward for police station fees and we look forward to working with the government in developing that.
“However, reform will only succeed if there are significant further increases in criminal legal aid for solicitors’ firms, as otherwise the current exodus of criminal law solicitor will continue and duty schemes across the country will continue to collapse.”
Employment tribunal fees
The Gazette and Business Fast report the UK government is proposing to reintroduce fees for employment tribunal claims, which were initially withdrawn by a Supreme Court ruling in July 2017.
In 2017, the Law Society had described the court’s ruling as “an urgently needed wake-up call,” adding that “justice must never be a luxury for those who can afford it.”
Requirements for foreign qualified lawyers
The Gazette covers the Law Society’s consultation response to the SRA on new English language requirements for foreign qualified lawyers.
We responded that the proposals could be “overly restrictive.”
Also worth a read:
- Rwanda Bill faced strong criticism during first debate in House of Lords – BBC
- Former Conservative chancellor Ken Clarke withdraws support from new Rwanda policy – Guardian
- A pilot scheme to increase transparency in family legal disputes has been expanded to include three of London’s courts – Evening Standard
- SRA advises law firms on compliance with UK financial sanctions – Solicitors Journal
- Women now make up over 40% of Bar – Legal Futures
- Proportion of married couples in England and Wales falls below 50% – Guardian
- Explainer: this week’s train strikes – Independent