UK legal regulator dismisses complaints against UK Lawyers for Israel patrons

The UK's legal regulator, the Bar Standards Board (BSB), has decided not to investigate complaints against three senior barristers who are patrons of UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI). The complaints were filed by the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) and the European Legal Support Centre (ELSC) on behalf of several charities and campaign groups.

The allegations claim that the barristers' association with UKLFI gives their legal threats against Palestine solidarity activists legitimacy. However, the BSB stated that there is insufficient evidence to prove that the barristers breached the provisions of the BSB Handbook. The regulator also noted that it is not uncommon for organizations to highlight the professional standing of their patrons, thus casting doubt on the seriousness of the complaints.

PILC and ELSC have described the BSB's response as "unconvincing" and vowed to challenge the outcome, expressing concerns that the use of distinguished barristers' names and professional status by UKLFI acts as a form of "lawfare" aimed at deterring lawful democratic activity and political expression.