Lawyers remain the key players in the journey of many asylum seekers

It was timely to hear about the work of the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) this week. The charity may only be small in size, but it has been punching above its weight for the past twenty plus years, fighting for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) asylum seekers and those wishing to move to the UK to be with their same-sex partner.

Since it was formed, the UKLGIG has lobbied successive governments and opposition parties and succeeded in securing long-lasting change to immigration legislation. Although it took time to be fully realised, the unmarried partners concession has changed the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of couples seeking to live their lives in the UK.

In recent years, the UKLGIG has focused on support for those fleeing persecution in their home countries because of their sexuality. It is shocking that still, in 2015, more than 80 countries - many of which are in the Commonwealth - brand homosexuality as illegal, and that in some of these it remains punishable by death. It is just as shocking that, until very recently, those seeking refuge in the UK were subject to yet more humiliation to prove their sexuality and often forced to return to the closet in their native countries.

Times have changed in some places, and the UK remains a major driver of positive change in international equality law, showing compassion and care for the displaced and disenfranchised.

With asylum seekers once again on the front pages of national newspapers and a permanent feature in international news, there is a very real risk the bold and positive steps that have been made by our country in the past 20 years will not only slow down, but may be retraced.

Lawyers remain key players in the journey of many asylum seekers. Solicitors are their guides and voices and their fate often rests in the hands of the now much better informed judiciary. But there is still a long way to go, and it seems likely that the job may never be finished. The current migrant crisis will require us to work harder as government policy is scrutinised and public opinion balances on a knife edge.

On a sad note, there has been news this week of the deaths of two solicitors, both of whom enjoyed hugely successful careers and made their own, unique and significant contributions to the profession. Michael Cranston left school with one O level and worked his way from office boy to co-founding Warner Cranston (now Reed Smith) and heading its litigation team. Initially pursuing the legal executive route before qualifying as a solicitor, he was a true ambassador for the legal profession and social mobility.

Also this week came news of the passing of Robin Ap Cynan. Anyone who has spent time in Chancery Lane or elsewhere will be familiar with Robin's wit, wisdom, fez, and flair. A proud solicitor and mediator, he was first and foremost a lover of life and, for many years, represented the interests of Welsh and family solicitors at The Law Society. Although his death was untimely, his spirit will live on in London and with his clients through his years of family work.

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