The solicitors’ watchdog in England and Wales is investigating firms and individuals at the centre of allegations of wrongdoing in dealing with asylum applications, it has said.
The news came as the justice secretary, Alex Chalk, demanded the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) come down hard should it uncover any cases of wrongdoing. “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,” Chalk said on Thursday.
He spoke after the Daily Mail claimed several individuals working with law firms had been charging thousands of pounds to submit false asylum and human rights claims.
An undercover reporter for the paper said they had been offered help in obtaining refugee status in the UK, despite having made it clear to the several advisers they had no legitimate right to stay.
On Thursday, Chalk wrote to the SRA to say: “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.”
Commenting on the reports, the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “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.”
The solicitors’ watchdog said: “We can confirm we are investigating the firms/individuals. As a result of the information provided, we are looking to take urgent action to make sure the public are protected.
“All solicitors should uphold the high professional standards that we and the public expect of them. This is especially important in areas such as immigration where those involved may be among the most vulnerable in society.
“If we find evidence that solicitors or firms we regulate have acted in ways that contravene our rules, and in particular their duty to act legally and uphold the law, we can and will take action.”
