Skip to main content

Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 July 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 July 2017. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 July 2017 on behalf of the Home Office.


Leigh Day

Question

Her Majesty's Government, in the light of (1) the clearing of Leigh Day and three of its solicitors of all allegations of professional misconduct, and (2) reports of further allegations by a whistle-blower against that firm, concerning claims by Iraqi civilians of abuse by British troops, whether they intend to refer that firm to the National Crime Agency for investigation of any possible criminal conduct.

Answer

The Government is aware of the recent media allegations of misconduct by an apparent whistle-blower, but consider it premature to refer the matter to the National Crime Agency. As the NCA would likely investigate only if these allegations have not been examined by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, the Government will need to await publication of the Tribunal’s full, reasoned decision before deciding whether it is appropriate to refer the matter to the NCA.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL423
Session
2017-19
Related items
Leigh Day
Wednesday, 24 January 2018
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Abuse Armed forces Civilians Iraq Misconduct Leigh Day National Crime Agency
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk