Labour conference
Independent, Standard, Telegraph and Argus, Daily Echo and 116 other publications report that Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood announced at the Labour Conference in Liverpool that a new women’s justice board will be tasked with reducing the number of women going into prison.
President Nick Emmerson said: “Across this conference, we have been encouraged to see that the Lord Chancellor clearly understands the many issues the justice system is facing and is ready to deliver.
“We are keen to work with her to ensure the right action is taken – including sustained investment in legal aid and our justice system – to safeguard its future and access to justice for all.”
Probate delays
Insurance Business Magazine reports that amid ongoing delays in probate processing in the UK, Prestige Underwriting has introduced a specialised short-term unoccupied property insurance product aimed at protecting homes left empty during the often-lengthy estate administration process.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson noted: “New statistics show that HMCTS has issued more probate applications each month than it has received, allowing for a decline in outstanding caseload. The timeliness of processing these applications has improved and must continue improving.”
Chinese law firm
The American Lawyer covers Chinese law firm Yingke’s visit to Chancery Lane, as it opened its first London office this week. They aim to open 15 European offices by 2026.
President Nick Emmerson said that Yingke’s launch in London was a “cause for celebration.”
International legal conference
African Law Business reports that lawyers and experts spoke at the annual international legal conference and called for more leadership in the drive to make Africa-wide legal practice a reality.
“Law societies and Bar associations need to raise awareness of the benefits of cross-border practice” said Mickael Laurans, head of international at the Law Society of England and Wales. He described cross-border integration as nothing to be afraid of, as it shows lawyers that other countries want to trade with them and their clients.
Anti Money laundering
Gazette reports that anti-money laundering super regulator has found the legal sector lacking in effective AML supervision.
A Law Society of England and Wales spokesperson said: “Our members have worked with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and committed significant time and resource to fight money laundering and prevent financial crime.
“ It is therefore disappointing and unhelpful that the OPBAS report does not name the PBSs which are identified as failing. The UK’s legal profession remains one of the world’s most regulated sectors in the fight against money laundering.”
Also worth a read:
- Reynolds condemns ‘scaremongering’ over Labour’s workers’ rights overhaul – Guardian
- Offenders could have internet access removed instead of jail time – Times (£)
- Thames Water’s accelerating cash burn exacerbates debt woes – Financial Times
- Conservatives and Reform UK are ‘Right-wing wreckers’, says Cooper – Telegraph (£)
- ULEZ vandals face justice but avoid jail for £4,500 of damage in camera attacks - Standard
- Brixton prison ‘fundamentally failing’ as inspection reveals overcrowding and drug abuse – The Justice Gap
- Labour party conference: Keir Starmer faces vote on winter fuel cut – Times (£)
- Starmer tells Britons to leave Lebanon immediately as UK troops readied for evacuation - Independent
- What now for fire and rehire? – Gazette