Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what support his Department provides to people who have received incorrect legal advice from a solicitor who subsequently absconds from the UK jurisdiction.

The regulation of legal services in England and Wales is independent in accordance with the framework set out in the Legal Services Act 2007. Any relevant action is taken forward by the regulatory bodies.

Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which investigates cases of alleged misconduct. The SRA can take action against a solicitor in his or her capacity as an England and Wales lawyer, even if the solicitor is no longer resident in England or Wales.

Consumers can also complain to the independent Legal Ombudsman, which has powers to order redress.

Separate arrangements are in place in Scotland, through the Law Society of Scotland, and in Northern Ireland, through the Law Society of Northern Ireland.