Signatures continue to mount for EDM 2021 (which I tabled before the recess). This EDM (see link for current position) says:
That this House notes the comments of a senior social worker that meetings have been held during which solicitors acting for parents have discussed how to undermine the cases of their clients; further notes that there are many odd cases in which solicitors fail to oppose care proceedings or accept that the section 31 threshold has been met notwithstanding the opposition of their clients; recognises that reporting and obtaining the investigation of such behaviour outwith parliamentary proceedings remains a contempt of court for hon. Members; and asks the Solicitors Regulatory Authority to review the implementation of the new solicitors' code of conduct and how this relates to conflicts of interest in the Family Court.
Let me highlight part of this:
solicitors acting for parents have discussed how to undermine the cases of their clients
That this House notes the comments of a senior social worker that meetings have been held during which solicitors acting for parents have discussed how to undermine the cases of their clients; further notes that there are many odd cases in which solicitors fail to oppose care proceedings or accept that the section 31 threshold has been met notwithstanding the opposition of their clients; recognises that reporting and obtaining the investigation of such behaviour outwith parliamentary proceedings remains a contempt of court for hon. Members; and asks the Solicitors Regulatory Authority to review the implementation of the new solicitors' code of conduct and how this relates to conflicts of interest in the Family Court.
Let me highlight part of this:
solicitors acting for parents have discussed how to undermine the cases of their clients
Comments
This story brings into question the entire UK legal process - notwithstanding the sometimes bizarre activities of the Family Courts Divisions themselves. Solicitors conspiring with the prosecution?
However to get on the Family Courts solicitors register, the practise/partnership has to be SS-approved, a process that actively encourages corruption. Solicitors become naturally compliant with the "bad guys" in an effort to retain their access to the Family Court business. If that means that the course of justice is actively perverted - well that's tough.