Asylum Seekers to be Sent to Rwanda

ones who are traceable do not have the funds to pay their share of the excess. It is therefore the responsibility of the remaining Principals at XYZ Solicitors who were the former principals in ABC Solicitors to fund the whole excess.

How to avoid this scenario

Ensure you discuss the small print of your policy with your broker. If you are considering a change of insurer, run-off requirements could be a vital consideration, particularly if there is a merger, sale or closure of the practice on the horizon. Many firms insured with unrated insurers have subsequently become insolvent, which highlights the importance of choosing the right insurer. Firms that purchased their run-off cover from the likes of Balva, Berliner and Enterprise are unlikely to have any claims arising under that cover paid – leaving uncertainty for any former principals about what their future liabilities may be.

It is of paramount importance to be discerning and always consider the effect of run-off on your firm. Do not put yourself on the back-foot by only dealing with the consequences as and when they occur.

Alternative options to run-off

The cost of run-off is such that many firms seek alternative arrangements. If you are a sole practitioner considering retiring, or a principal in a firm that is looking to sell to or merge with another practice, it is important to plan well in advance if you are to avoid incurring a run-off premium. If another firm is prepared to buy your practice as a going concern, or merge and take on the past liabilities, there is no need to trigger run-off. Doing this does mean that the successor practice's own claims record could be adversely impacted by any future claims arising from work undertaken previously by your practice. They have to be confident that your practice is a 'good risk' before they are likely to agree to becoming a successor practice. Succession planning, retirement, and mergers are often complex matters that require careful advance consideration. Speak to us now for advice on how best to prepare your practice.

Lee Catling Lockton Solicitors solicitors@lockton.com / 0330 123 3870

Asylum Seekers to be Sent to Rwanda

It was announced by the Prime Minister today (14 April 2022) at a speech in Kent that a new plan for immigration is being implemented to help deal with the asylum issues.

The new measures announced include giving the Royal Navy operational command of the Channel operations from 15 April 2022 and a new reception centre is planned. Asylum seekers arriving in the UK will be held instead of being placed in hotels.

The government has contracted with the Rwandan government to operate a trial scheme whereby asylum seekers who arrive illegally including crossing the Channel are to be flown some 4,000 miles to Rwanda while they are waiting for their claims for asylum to be assessed. It is understood that it is only men who will be sent to Rwanda not women or children. The costs of the trial scheme are reported to be around £120 million.

This move by the Government is seen as being controversial not least because according to the Human Rights Watch report, into the Events of 2019 in Rwanda credible sources confirmed that in both official and unofficial facilities detainees in Rwanda were experiencing arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and torture.

The Nationality and Borders Bill, which will enable the Government to send asylum seekers to be processed abroad, is in the final stages having been returned from the House of Lords back to the House of Commons for the Lord’s amendments to be further considered.

Have you ever attended one of our Regional Meetings? Would you like to attend one?

Since the last edition of SOLO, South London held an in person meeting at Miller & Carter in Bromley chaired by Mrs Adjoa Djan-Krofa of Pishon Gold Solicitors. Here are some of the key points noted from that meeting:

• Follow your fellow members on social media • Members find the meetings supportive and wish to continue bi-monthly in person meetings. • SPG/Law Society assistance with panel work for conveyancers (or the lack thereof) • Some members are still not receiving emails or communication from the SPG. To re-register on the website. • Visitors and other professionals to visit or speak at our meetings.

Speaker arranged for our next meeting. • The SPG national conference is on 24-26th June and members encouraged to attend. Details to follow from the admin team. Birmingham & West Midlands also held a meeting on 7th March, this was via zoom and was attended by our Chair; Joanna Connolly, Vice Chair; Dorcas Falode, Vice President of the Law Society; Lubna Shuja along with Danny Seaman from Lockton Insurance.

The next Birmingham & West Midlands meeting is schedule for 6th June 2022.

Sometimes being a Sole Practitioner can be a little bit of a lonely place. Regional Meetings are a great way to network, meet other SP’s and catch up with SP’s you already know.

It’s a great way to find out what out what the SPG Executive Team are up to, voice any issue you are having that we can support you with and interact with other SP’s.

If you would like to attend a meeting for your region please visit our website and become a member for free.