Lord George Foulkes, a Labour peer, has resigned as a patron of the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre (EMLC) in protest over the organization's support for Claire Kellerman, an American woman suing a community-run cafe in Scotland.
Foulkes stated that Kellerman, who moved to the Western Isles, is "clearly not an ethnic minority" and criticized her actions as "provocative" against local residents. Kellerman is engaged in a legal dispute with the Bernera Community Association (BCA) after claiming her dog, Tarkina, which she asserts is a necessary assistance animal, was denied entry to the BCA's cafe. She alleges discrimination based on her disability.
The EMLC is representing Kellerman in her legal campaign, which has also secured financial backing from the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB). Foulkes, who had served as a patron for approximately eight years, expressed astonishment and outrage at the SLAB's involvement, deeming the entire situation "outrageous."
Local Member of the Scottish Parliament Donald MacKinnon has also criticized SLAB's support for Kellerman's legal efforts, describing the case as "absurd" and a potential threat to the BCA's existence. Earlier in the legal proceedings, lawyers for Kellerman mistakenly targeted the Great Bernera Community Development Trust, leading to the organization incurring £7,500 in legal fees.
Colin Lancaster, chief executive of SLAB, defended the board's decision in a letter to MacKinnon. Lancaster explained that SLAB's role is not to determine factual disputes, evidence, law, or liability, including the identification of the correct defendant. He noted that such matters are for the courts. Lancaster affirmed that SLAB considers relevant representations and gathers information from the assisted person's solicitor to ensure statutory tests for legal aid are met. He stated that SLAB was satisfied the tests were met based on the information provided and that it is not the board's function to independently investigate or verify the legal basis or merits of a case.
Kellerman is the adopted daughter of the late MAS*H actress Sally Kellerman, who played Major 'Hot Lips' Houlihan.
Lord Foulkes also commented on his long-standing, albeit unnoticed, patronage of the EMLC, stating he had heard nothing from the centre during his tenure and had forgotten about his involvement until recently reminded.
The dispute centers on Kellerman's dog, Tarkina.
The EMLC and SLAB have been contacted for further comment.