Watchdog probe launched into law firms ‘aiding illegal migrants’ after PM launches scathing attack
THE watchdog for solicitors in England and Wales has launched a probe into law firms accused of using dodgy tactics to help illegal migrants stay in Britain.
In a damning letter to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk hit out at an “apparent abuse of the system” by some law firms.
He urged the watchdog to use the “full force of sanctions” where breaches are found, and demanded rogue solicitors be “dealt with robustly”.
It comes after an undercover investigation found some lawyers are charging thousands of pounds to submit deliberately false asylum claims for illegal immigrants.
One firm even charged an eye-watering £10,000 to make up a tragic backstory to support an asylum application.
Responding to the findings, a furious Rishi Sunak tweeted: “This is what we’re 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 Chalk said: “The vast majority of lawyers are professionals of integrity, but those found to have abused their position must face the consequences.”
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick added: “I trust the regulator will take decisive action against those lawyers revealed to be abusing their positions and send the clearest message to others, that these disgraceful practices must end.”
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A spokesperson for the regulator 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.
“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.”