Frozen embryos – the risks and the rewards
The Government recently announced plans to extend the storage limit for embryos and gametes (sperm and eggs) from 10 to 55 years for everyone, abolishing the arbitrary differentiation between freezing for health and social reasons. While this is a welcome development which provides greater reproductive choices for fertility patients, those with frozen embryos face potentially […]
Widow must “prove” she can use dead husband’s frozen sperm
A widow has been informed that due to an administrative mistake she is unable to use her late husband’s frozen sperm to have his baby unless she takes the case to the High Court. Thirty-five year-old Jade Payne from Northampton has been told by TFP Oxford Fertility that she must first prove that her husband […]
“Tony’s Law” brings tougher penalties for child cruelty
Child abusers will face more time behind bars after the Government confirmed plans to increase the maximum penalties for a range of cruelty offences. Under the changes, anyone who causes or allows the death of a child or vulnerable adult in their care will face up to life imprisonment – rather than the current 14-year […]
Law Society responds to Chatham House AML report
The Law Society of England and Wales has issued a response to London-based thinktank Chatham House’s recent report criticising the UK’s anti-money laundering (AML) laws. The report states that un-policed and often unenforceable anti-corruption laws have made the UK the global money-laundering capital for a post-Soviet Union elite, severely damaging Britain’s international reputation and the […]
LSB publishes lawyer competency consultation
The Legal Services Board (LSB) says it finds the legal profession is “out of step compared with other professions”, and that greater focus on assessing and understanding levels of competence is required. To address this, the LSB has launched a consultation on a draft statutory statement of policy on the outcomes regulators should pursue to ensure legal […]
Law Society appoints interim CEO
Gerry Walsh has been appointed as the new interim CEO of the Law Society of England and Wales. Born in Northern Ireland, Gerry has spent most of his working life in England, France, Poland and the US, and is now a highly experienced senior executive and consultant. He’s a former interim CEO of the Chartered […]
