Welcome to weekly legal/business updates, sharing the latest developments and noteworthy events in the legal and business sectors

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter and welcome! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s overwhelming to keep up. That’s why I’ve curated a weekly round-up of headlines that interest me. Stay informed, enhance your commercial awareness, and gain valuable insights. Sit back, relax, and let this newsletter be your companion in navigating news and knowledge.

Hugh Grant Pressured to Drop Phone Hacking Claim

Hugh Grant posted on X that he has settled his claim against The Sun published News Group Newspapers for alleged phone hacking. He told that he wanted to take them to court but he has been pressured into settling after hearing what the costs would likely come to. He said, ‘If I proceed to trial and the court awards me damages that are even a penny less than the settlement offer, I would have to pay the legal costs,’ he said. ‘My lawyers tell me that that is exactly what would most likely happen here. Rupert Murdoch’s lawyers are very expensive. So even if every allegation is proven in court, I would still be liable for something approaching £10m in costs. I’m afraid I am shying at that fence.’

You can find out more here.

Supreme Court Rules Trade Union Law Incompatible With ECHR

The Supreme Court rules that Section 146 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 is incompatible with Article 11 – the freedom of assembly and association – of the European Convention on Human Rights. Lady Simler said, the legislative scheme must strike a fair balance between the competing interests at stake and any provision of the scheme that restricts the protection of Article 11 rights must be justified, recognising the margin of appreciation to be accorded to the state’. She also said, ‘it fails to provide any protection against sanctions, short of dismissal, intended to deter or penalise trade union members from taking part in lawful strike action’.

You can find out more here.

UK Smoking Ban?

The Government have been voting on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which has now passed its 2nd reading and is at the Committee stage. One of the provisions of the Bill will prohibit the sale of tobacco to people born on or after 1 January 2009. It won’t affect those who are allowed to buy cigarettes now but will eventually lead to an effective ban. It has been proposed that a £100 on the spot fine will be given to shops in England and Wales which sell tobacco and vapes to under-age. The aim is to have the new system in force by 2027.

You can find out more here.

Safety Pilot in Family Courts

Judges are testing for the next 3 months, whether more formality is needed in family courts. Judges at the Central Family Court will wear robes following concerns about “threatening behaviour experienced by judges”. The pilot is approved by Sir Andrew McFarlane, president of the Family Division, with hopes that the pilot will make a difference to family court proceedings.

You can find out more here.

Fun facts for your friends…

Under Section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988, using your phone to pay at a drive-through is illegal if your engine is running and you don’t have your handbrake on! If you are caught you could receive points on your licence and get a £200 fine.

Thanks for catching up! Don’t forget to share with friends and colleagues!