Watchdog Calls for ‘Urgent Action’ Against Lawyers Behind Fake Asylum Claims

Solicitors Regulation Authority issued statement after justice secretary demanded sanctions against unscrupulous immigration solicitors

A group of people thought to be illegal immigrants are brought in to Dungeness, Kent, from the RNLI Dungeness Lifeboat, following a small boat incident in the Channel, on April 27, 2023. Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

A legal watchdog has said it intends on taking “urgent action” against a number of solicitors accused of making false asylum claims.

In a statement to The Epoch Times, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) confirmed it had launched a probe into multiple firms and individuals over claims they’d offered an undercover reporter a false asylum defence in return for cash.

The SRA investigation comes just hours after Justice Secretary Alex Chalk urged the regulatory body to wield the “full force of sanctions” against unscrupulous lawyers.

On Monday the Daily Mail reported that multiple solicitors agreed to help an undercover reporter, who was posing as an economic migrant, submit a phoney application in exchange for thousands of pounds.

One lawyer secretly recorded asked for £10,000 to invent a horrific back story to use in the asylum application, according to the newspaper.

This included claims of sexual torture, beatings, slave labour, false imprisonment and death threats that left him suicidal and compelled to flee to the UK.

In a statement sent to The Epoch Times via email on Wednesday, a SRA spokesperson said: “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.”

The SRA added that if evidence is found that solicitors or firms have acted in ways that contravene its strict rules, “we can and will take action.”

Undermining Public Confidence

The SRA strictly prohibits lawyers from deceiving courts, and any act of dishonesty or lack of integrity may result in them being struck off.

In a letter to Anna Bradley, chair of the SRA, on Thursday, Mr. Chalk also called for a follow-up to the SRA’s immigration advice review conducted last year, as he emphasised the importance of “ensuring public confidence in our immigration system.”

“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,” Mr. Chalk wrote.

“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.”

On the review, he said: “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 light of these recent allegations, I would urge you to undertake a targeted follow-up to last year’s thematic review as soon as possible.”

The SRA’s immigration and asylum thematic review, published in November, found that the overall quality was satisfactory and that there were no widespread or systemic failings or issues with quality.

However, it agreed there were areas for improvement, such as evidence of supervision and reporting of misconduct.

Alex Chalk, minister for defence procurement, makes a speech ahead of the first cut of steel for the Royal Navy frigate, HMS Active, at Rosyth Dockyard on the Firth of Forth at Rosyth, Fife, on Jan. 24, 2023. Andrew Milligan/PA

Royal Assent

Commenting on the Daily Mail’s investigation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote on Twitter: “This is what we are up against.

“The Labour Party, a subset of lawyers, criminal gangs—they’re all on the same side, propping up a system of exploitation that profits from getting people to the UK illegally.”

Mr. Sunak said the newly passed Illegal Migration Bill would help stop such fraudulent claims with laws that “go further than any government has gone before.”

“Labour have tried to block every vote to stop the boats. Their plan for immigration is an open door,” he wrote.

“But I know stopping the boats is a priority for the British people. And I’m leaving no stone unturned to get it done.”

In response, Labour MP Stephen Kinnock said: “Wrong again. Labour rejects this bill because it'll make it harder to remove people who’ve no right to be here, and traps genuine refugees in indefinite limbo. It could cost taxpayers £9 billion over three years.”

He said Labour’s five-point plan to end the crossings is “based on common sense and hard graft.”

The government’s sweeping asylum reforms became law last week after being given royal assent.

The much-criticised flagship legislation, central to the prime minister’s pledge to “stop the boats” crossing the English Channel, will prevent people from claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive through unauthorised means.

Officials are still working on when the Act will come into force and it is anticipated elements of the new laws may be implemented in stages over the coming months.