A list with names and addresses of 60 immigration solicitors has appeared on Telegram, raising concerns.
- This list, linked to anti-immigration sentiments, has heightened fears of violence against legal professionals.
- The Law Society considers this threat credible, warning of potential disturbances and advising precautions.
- Authorities, including police and the government, are on alert and have strengthened security measures.
- Yorkshire, with its prominent immigration law firms, faces significant threats, prompting calls for vigilance and reporting.
A list containing the names and addresses of up to 60 immigration solicitors emerged on the messaging app Telegram, sparking significant concern within both the legal profession and the community at large. The list was shared alongside the phrase “no more immigration,” which has stoked fears of potential violence directed at these legal professionals. Reports have indicated inaccuracies in the list, with certain addresses erroneously tied to individuals such as an elderly woman, highlighting the risks of misinformation.
The Law Society of England and Wales has recognised the list as a “very credible threat” to its members. Officials have expressed concerns over “further disturbances,” advising the firms involved to adopt stringent security measures. Law Society President Nick Emmerson stated, “This week has been a stark reminder that the anti-lawyer rhetoric has very real-world consequences for solicitors working tirelessly for their clients, access to justice and the rule of law.” Lawyers have been counselled by police to take precautions like working from home and securing their offices.
Government and law enforcement are actively responding in light of these threats. Jim McMahon, housing and local government minister, reassured during a BBC Breakfast appearance that authorities are prepared to act decisively against any form of misconduct. Throughout the country, police forces have heightened their vigilance, deploying additional resources to manage any emerging threats. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has convened several Cobra meetings to ensure a well-coordinated police response. Despite these efforts, many immigration services are still uneasy about their safety.
Yorkshire, hosting several leading immigration law firms, is not exempt from these pressures. The region’s historical challenges with far-right activities exacerbate fears, as manifested in recent incidents targeting mosques and asylum seekers’ accommodations. Recently, a protest in Rotherham turned destructive with the vandalism of a Holiday Inn Express. South Yorkshire police’s Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield lamented this “dark day,” reflecting broader regional unease. In response, the legal community calls for immediate threat reporting to police and internal security teams.
The emerging threats underscore the urgent need for increased vigilance and cooperation among legal professionals.
