‘Prince Harry has lost an attempt to get part of the Mail on Sunday publishers’ defence thrown out in a libel case.’
BBC News, 8th December 2023
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘Sir James Dyson has lost his libel claim against the publisher of the Daily Mirror after a columnist at the newspaper stated that he had “championed Vote Leave … before moving his global head office to Singapore”.’
The Guardian, 1st December 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘The number and “shamelessness” of SLAPPs has grown but there has been no disciplinary action taken against the lawyers responsible for how they are run, a major conference was told yesterday.’
Legal Futures, 28th November 2023
Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk
‘Court of Appeal judges have refused permission to appeal in the latest court hearing of a high-profile defamation action brought by a Conservative Party donor against a former Tory MP.’
Law Society's Gazette, 23rd November 2023
Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk
‘No 10 should not implement plans to amend the law on glorifying terrorism after the pro-Palestine marches as it would do “no favours” to police, MI5 or the probation service, a government adviser has said.’
The Guardian, 23rd November 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘Two protesters were “reasonable” in calling Iain Duncan Smith “Tory scum” outside the Conservative party conference, the high court has ruled, in a rejection of an attempt to overturn their acquittal.’
The Guardian, 21st November 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘Long sentences handed to two Just Stop Oil protesters for scaling the M25 bridge over the Thames are a potential breach of international law and risk silencing public concerns about the environment, a UN expert has said.’
The Guardian, 20th November 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘While the king’s speech pledged “legislation to protect public interest journalism”, a new Media Bill fails to address SLAPPs. This has sparked renewed calls to extend corrective measures beyond economic crime.’
Law Society's Gazette, 10th November 2023
Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk
‘Individuals and campaigners tell of damage done by powerful people using the courts to try to shut down investigative reporting.’
The Guardian, 3rd November 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘The UK chancellor has announced new rules to restrict the practice of ‘de-banking’ amid reports that some banks may have closed customer accounts because of their political beliefs.’
OUT-LAW.com, 25th October 2023
Source: www.pinsentmasons.com
‘Police have made dozens of arrests after protests across the UK against a bombing campaign and expected ground war in Gaza after the murderous attacks by Hamas in Israel.’
The Guardian, 16th October 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘The CPS is aware that following the recent disturbing events in the Middle East, the public and many different communities may be concerned about protests or demonstrations. The CPS recognises that whilst in the main demonstrations and protests will be peaceful and lawful, there may be incidents of public disorder and it is possible that some individuals may commit criminal offences.’
Crown Prosecution Service, 13th October 2023
Source: www.cps.gov.uk
‘Ofcom’s chief executive has said there is nothing under current rules to stop GB News using the Conservative MP Lee Anderson to interview the Tory home secretary, Suella Braverman.’
The Guardian, 28th September 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘The solicitor general taking action against a climate protester who held up a sign outside court raises a vital issue for criminal justice.’
The Guardian, 27th September 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘Civil liberty campaigners have warned that the prosecution of a woman for holding up a placard about the rights of jurors outside a court is part of the government’s increasing attacks on the right to protest.’
The Guardian, 19th September 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘In Higgs v Farmor’s School [2023] EAT 89, Mrs Higgs worked as a pastoral administrator and work experience manager at Farmor’s School. Complaints were received about Facebook posts that she had made about relationship education in primary schools: in particular, she re-posted someone else’s post, heading it, “PLEASE READ THIS! THEY ARE BRAINWASHING OUR CHILDREN!” [5]. She also re-posted similar material. She accepted that her posts might have been seen by parents of pupils at Farmor’s School, though she pointed out that she had not mentioned the school itself [9].
She was suspended and, after a disciplinary investigation and an appeal, dismissed [16 & 17]. She took the school to an Employment Tribunal, arguing that her dismissal amounted either to direct discrimination because of her protected beliefs or to harassment relating to them.’
Law & Religion UK, 20th June 2023
Source: lawandreligionuk.com
‘As many will have seen in the media, environmental activist group Insulate Britain (IB) has carried out London protests in a manner deliberately designed to cause serious disruption. These protest tactics have included activists deliberately blocking highways by sitting down in the road, and often gluing themselves to its surface and/or locking themselves to each other to make their removal more time-consuming. IB has repeatedly stated that these protests will continue until its demands are met.’
Law Society's Gazette, 16th June 2023
Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk
‘Oppressive lawsuits brought by wealthy individuals to evade scrutiny and intimidate critics are to be defined in English and Welsh law for the first time, as judges are handed powers to dismiss “Slapps” at an early stage.’
The Guardian, 13th June 2023
Source: www.theguardian.com
‘Conservative politicians in the UK and the US are making headlines for regulatory efforts targeting core free speech principles under the guise of protecting members of the public from harm. Four days prior to the coronation of King Charles III – a coincidence according to the UK government – the controversial Public Order Act 2023 (POA 2023), introduced by former Home Secretary Priti Patel, received royal assent. The application of the new law, in conjunction with the expansive powers granted to police under prior legislation, led to the controversial targeting and arrest of dozens of peaceful anti-monarchy protesters during the coronation proceedings. In the US, Republicans are responsible for a flurry of recent regulations censoring expression concerning sexual orientation, race, and other issues at the forefront of the so-called ‘culture war’ in public school classrooms and libraries across the country. These regulatory efforts highlight the increasingly illiberal posture of conservative parties in these countries, which undermines shared democratic values and reflects a broader shift toward the use of anti-democratic means to achieve political ends.’
UK Constitutional Law Association, 1st June 2023
Source: ukconstitutionallaw.org
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