The Legal Aid Agency has dropped its investigation into Birmingham firm Public Interest Lawyers, the agency confirmed last week.

A spokesman said there were ‘no legal grounds’ to take action against the firm in relation to the use of legal aid in the al-Sweady inquiry into allegations of ill-treatment by British soldiers.

However, the LAA said it has ‘referred some concerns’ to the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Principal Phil Shiner (pictured) told the Gazette there was ‘no question’ of concerns about him or his firm.