Who? Vinita Templeton, director at Duncan Lewis, London.
Why is she in the news? Represented a group of Fiji-born soldiers who lost their legal status after being discharged from the British Army in a legal battle against the Ministry of Defence and Home Office seeking an acknowledgement of historical injustices, unfair processes and extortionate application fees.
Thoughts on the case: ‘There were systemic failures on the part of the army to follow their own prescribed procedures immediately prior to the discharge of foreign and Commonwealth service personnel. The impact was devastating on these veterans who left the army believing they had permanent UK residence. On becoming aware of their lack of status, many were unable to afford fees of £2,389 each plus the same for family members. The claimants sought recognition of administrative failures upon discharge and an exemption [from] the fees, referencing previous policies for Afghan interpreters and promises made within the Ar