Legal Matters Scotland
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18th November 2025

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IMMIGRATION
Labour backbenchers unnerved by asylum reforms
The Home Secretary announced significant reforms to the UK's asylum system on Monday, describing it as "out of control and unfair." The new measures aim to deter illegal migration and include temporary refugee status with reviews every 30 months. Shabana Mahmood said: "To maintain the generosity that allows us to provide sanctuary, we must restore order and control." However, critics, including Labour MPs, argued the proposals could exacerbate division and racism in communities. But Mahmood hit back saying Britain is being "torn apart" by illegal immigration, with the "pace and scale of change" leaving communities destabilised. An editorial in the Guardian laments the shift in policy, urging Labour not to copy Reform UK's "cruelty" on asylum. Labour MPs were also left horrified after right-wing activist Tommy Robinson welcomed the plans. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch backed the Home Secretary’s new position and said the Tories would support a vote if needed. However, the Tory leader said she doubted the plans would work without leaving the ECHR. She added that the measures would not remove the pull factor for migrants, stating that anybody who comes to the UK illegally should be deported.

 
CRIME
Call for inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland
A campaign has been launched by the Scottish Conservatives, urging for a public inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland. Victims and their families are encouraged to support a petition for this inquiry, as claims suggest the issue extends beyond the border. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: "A Scottish grooming gangs inquiry is now absolutely vital." Fiona Goddard, a survivor, highlighted her experience of being trafficked to Scotland and called for recognition of the widespread problem. The SNP government has yet to commit to an inquiry, despite calls from victims and campaigners.
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INDUSTRY
Fears civil legal aid reforms will jeopardise those with disabilities
Mike Dailly looks ar concerns over proposed changes to civil legal aid for Adults with Incapacity (AWI) cases in Scotland, where guardians are appointed to act for those unable to make decisions themselves. Lawyers warn that shifting from a 'time and line' system to a fixed 'block fee' would undervalue complex cases, increase court returns due to shorter guardianship terms, and strain already stretched local authorities. The Law Society and Govan Law Centre argue this could reduce access to justice for vulnerable adults, deter solicitors from taking on AWI work, and increase state intervention, potentially conflicting with human rights obligations.
THE LAW
UK to ban ticket resale profits
The UK Government plans to ban the resale of tickets above their original price to combat ticket touting. The move aims to prevent resellers from profiting excessively, as seen with Oasis tickets listed for over £4,000. The new rules will also cap service fees on resale platforms. Artists like Coldplay and Dua Lipa have urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to address this issue. Analysis by the Competition and Markets Authority reveals that tickets currently sold on the resale market are typically marked up by more than 50%. According to the campaign Let's Stamp it Tout, touts cost fans approximately £145m annually.
Fisheries Act under fire
The UK Government's Fisheries Act is facing severe criticism for failing to protect fish stocks and support coastal communities. MPs, environmentalists, and fishermen argue that the Act allows overfishing and poorly allocates quotas. Labour MP Toby Perkins stated: "The 2020 Fisheries Act... is failing to deliver its promise of 'world class sustainable management of fisheries'." Scientists recommend drastic reductions in mackerel and cod catches, yet quotas remain above advised levels. Critics, including Charles Clover of Blue Marine, call for a transparent review of the law to ensure sustainable practices are enforced.
Justice possible for families of IRA victims?
The UK Government is introducing a new Northern Ireland Troubles bill aimed at addressing unsolved killings from the Troubles. Security minister Dan Jarvis stated that the previous Legacy Act hindered investigations and proposed immunity for terrorists. The new legislation will eliminate this immunity and establish an independent legacy commission to investigate cases with evidence of criminality.
CASES
Bakery wins court battle
Morton's Rolls bakery in Glasgow has successfully won a court battle against the UK Government, allowing it to avoid liquidation. New owner John McIlvogue faced claims of over £2m in redundancy payments from the previous owner. He said: "It's a weight off my mind and we can now focus on expansion plans." The tribunal ruled that McIlvogue's firm, Phoenix Volt Ltd, was not liable for these payments. Paul Sweeney MSP expressed relief that former employees will finally receive their overdue redundancy payments after two years of delays.
FIRMS
Scullion LAW launches commercial property service
Scullion LAW has unveiled a dedicated commercial property service in response to growing demand from businesses, representing a strategic expansion beyond the firm's established practice areas.
MFMac's Glover named 'Inclusive Leader of the Year'
Martin Glover, Chief People Officer at Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac), has been named Inclusive Leader of the Year at the Onvero Inclusivity Excellence Awards 2025.
EMPLOYMENT
Home Office issues update on digital ID plans
The UK Government confirmed yesterday that a digital ID will be mandatory for employees by the end of this Parliament. A document published by the Home Office as the Home Secretary announced plans for new asylum policies makes it clear that the digital ID will be used every time an employer needs to check whether any potential staff member has the legal right to work. A petition opposing the plan has now been backed by almost 3m people.
REGULATION
City regulator eyes stronger tech oversight
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is advocating for enhanced oversight of foreign tech firms that provide essential services to banks. Sarah Pritchard, the FCA's first deputy chief executive, pointed to the need for strong operational resilience and cyber controls, especially after recent outages affecting over 2,000 companies, including Lloyds Banking Group. Despite the FCA and Bank of England gaining regulatory powers in 2025, no tech firms have been designated as "critical third parties." Pritchard stated: "We would like to see the system strengthen."
 


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