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R (Greyhound Board of Great Britain Ltd) v Welsh Ministers [2026] EWHC 670 (Admin) What are the practical implications of this case? The ruling reinforces the constitutional divide between the courts and the legislature. It explains that the scheme and framework of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (GWA 2006) embody that separation of powers, and that any judicial attempt to recognise and enforce a common law obligation on Welsh Ministers to consult prior to introducing legislation in the Senedd would trespass upon that boundary. This is not a departure from established principle; case law has already upheld comparable rules for lawmakers in Scotland and at Westminster. However, this is the first express confirmation of the position for Welsh lawmakers, and the first time this dimension of the GWA 2006 has been analysed in such depth. The court examined earlier
The solution arrived through the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC), a quasi‑judicial body handling mass claims, created under UN Security Council Resolution 687. By addressing environmental harm—most notably via its ‘F4’ claim class—the UNCC set a seminal benchmark shaping how international law and contemporary arbitral panels allocate financial responsibility for wartime ecological devastation. With present-day wars in areas such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East bringing dam breaches, strikes on chemical facilities, and the burning of farmland, the UNCC’s legacy endures as an essential reference point for states, global investors, and companies engaged in post‑conflict arbitration. The F4 claims: Quantifying the unquantifiable Prior to the 1990s, mechanisms in international law for war reparations overwhelmingly favoured property loss, foregone earnings, and bodily injury. The natural world was commonly treated as a mute, non-compensable victim of armed hostilities...
Understanding the farming business as a business Many farms still use long-standing structures that arose by habit, not strategy. Sole traders, informal partnerships and outdated partnership deeds are common. While once effective, such setups can cause major issues around succession, tax planning and involving the next generation. A corporate team can take a fresh, business-led view of the farm, asking: Who owns the land and other critical assets? Who manages daily operations? Who carries the risk and who enjoys the return? What is the enduring plan for succession? From this review, the team can confirm whether the current setup is fit for purpose or if an alternative — for example an updated partnership agreement, a company, a limited liability partnership, or a blended model — would better meet the family’s aims. Tax efficiency through joined-up advice Tax sits at the centre of most
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Digital markets CMA publishes plan to monitor UK’s digital markets regime The CMA has released a paper outlining the UK government’s approach to tracking and assessing the new pro-competition framework for digital markets (the Plan). It explains the monitoring and evaluation ( M& E) work that both the CMA and government will carry out. Their M& E approach rests on three pillars: Process monitoring and evaluation the CMA will publish information on key output indicators for the regime in its Annual Report and Accounts the government and CMA will run continuous internal analysis to observe and review how the regime operates and to help address the overarching evaluation questions Impact monitoring and evaluation the CMA will...
Mergers Commission withdraws Article 22 guidance The Commission has retracted its 2021 communication that offered direction on the application of the referral mechanism set out in Article 22 of the EUMR for specified types of cases (the Guidance). Following a review of the EUMR's turnover-based jurisdictional thresholds, the Commission, in March 2021, issued the Guidance outlining its revised approach to Article 22. That approach permitted, in particular, any Member State to ask the Commission to assess a concentration lacking an EU dimension but nevertheless which: (i) impacts trade within the Single Market and (ii) is liable to significantly harm competition within the territory of the Member States lodging the request......
Antitrust Commission fines Pierre Cardin and Ahlers €5.7m for restricting cross-border sales of clothing Pierre Cardin and Ahlers €5.7m for restricting cross-border sales of clothing The Commission has adopted an infringement decision against Pierre Cardin and its licensee, Ahlers, for breaching Article 101 TFEU by limiting cross-border sales of Pierre Cardin‑licensed clothing ( AT.40642). Joint fines amounting to €5.7m have been imposed on the two companies. The Commission determined that, for over a decade, Pierre Cardin and Ahlers engaged in anti‑competitive agreements and concerted conduct designed to stop other Pierre Cardin licensees, and their customers, from selling licensed clothing, both offline and online, by restricting sales: into Ahlers’ EEA‑licensed territories; and/or to low‑price retailers (such as discounters) offering lower prices to consumers in those territories. Consequently, the Commission levied fines totalling €5.7m on the parties......
NSI Act: High Court rejects judicial review of Government order requiring Russian-backed investor to sell broadband provider under the NSI Act 2021 On 20 November 2024, the High Court delivered its judgment in The King (on the application of Letter One Core Investment, S. A. R. L. and another) v Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industry, a judicial review of a final order issued under section 26(3) of the National Security and Investment Act 2021. That order, made by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, required Letter One to divest Upp Corp Ltd ( Upp) on national security grounds (the Final Order). The Court dismissed the challenge. Background Letter One sits within one of Europe’s largest investment groups, whose portfolio includes the Holland & Barratt chain of health and well-being product stores. The group was founded and is...
In this issue: UK mergers UK subsidy control UK market studies EU antitrust Lex Talk®Competition: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Caselex UK mergers CMA prohibits Spreadex/ Sporting Index merger; Spreadex ordered to unwind the merger The CMA has published its final report from its phase 2 review of the completed purchase by Spreadex Limited ( Spreadex) of the B2C business of Sporting Index Limited ( Sporting Index). Both Spreadex and Sporting Index supply UK customers with fixed odds betting and sports spread betting, while Spreadex also operates in financial spread betting and casino betting. As the only two licensed online providers of sports spread betting, the CMA found that residual competitive pressures after the deal—from unlicensed sports spread betting operators, financial spread betting firms and sports fixed odds betting...
Antitrust General Court dismisses HSBC’s appeal against the Commission’s re-adopted Euribor cartel fine The General Court delivered its judgment in Case T-561/21, HSBC Holdings and Others v Commission, concerning an action challenging the Commission’s re-adopted decision of 28 June 2021, which identified an infringement and levied penalties on HSBC for its conduct in the Euro interest rate derivatives market ( Case SA.39914). The General Court dismissed the appeal in its entirety and thereby affirmed the revised fine. Commission’s 2016 decision In December 2016, the Commission issued a decision concluding that Crédit agricole, HSBC and JPMorgan Chase had taken part in a single and continuous infringement that restricted and/or distorted competition in the Euro Interest Rate Derivatives ( EIRD) market ( Case SA.39914) (the Commission’s 2016 decision). For that infringement, the Commission imposed a fine of €33.6m on HSBC. Appeal against the Commission’s 2016 decision ( Case T-...
Subsidy control The Subsidy Advice Unit will prepare a report advising Homes England on its planned subsidy for Liverpool Central Docks—see further, case page The Subsidy Advice Unit has finalised its report to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council on the proposed subsidy to Barking and Dagenham Homes Limited—see further, final report NOTE— For all referrals under the Subsidy Control Act 2022, see further, UK subsidy control—ongoing cases tracker Mergers The CMA is consulting on accepting final undertakings following its phase 2 review in Lindab/ HAS‑ Vent—see further, case page NOTE— For all live mergers before the CMA, see further, UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker NSI Act 2021 The Cabinet Office has made a Final Order under the National Security and Investment Act 2021 conditionally clearing: (i) Future Industry Investment Fund II’s 48% stake in Nanjing Techcomp Era...
Subsidy control Department for Business and Trade launches consultation on refining the UK subsidy control regime The Department for Business and Trade ( DBT) has opened a consultation to fine-tune the UK subsidy control framework and gather stakeholder perspectives. It now invites further detailed feedback on: adjusting the thresholds in the Subsidy Control Act 2022 for referring subsidies to the Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA); and introducing additional streamlined routes that public authorities can rely on to award subsidies faster and with less friction in certain situations. Within the regime, two separate classes of subsidy or scheme are recognised as posing a higher risk of distortive impact: Subsidies or schemes of interest ( SSo I) and Subsidies or schemes of particular interest ( SSo PI)......
Mergers The Commission cleared Inter IKEA Systems’ acquisition of sole control of the IKEA Baltics franchise in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania after a phase I review ( M.11713)—see Midday Express. The Commission received the International Paper/ DS Smith notification ( M.11564). NOTE— For live merger probes, see EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker. State aid Following an in-depth review, the Commission found French aid (€853.6m) for Corsica Linea and La Méridionale to operate Marseille– Corsica routes ( Ajaccio, Bastia, Propriano, Porto- Vecchio and L'Île Rousse) in 2023–2030 compatible with EU rules—see press release. The Commission approved a Swedish recapitalisation (€122.2m) for Sediavia, which runs 10 international and regional airports—see Midday Express. Anthony Whelan was appointed Deputy Director- General for ‘ State aid policy’ at DG COMP—see Midday Express. NOTE— For live State aid decisions and formal...
Merger control The CMA announced it is consulting on potential remedies to tackle competition issues provisionally identified during its phase 2 investigation into Global Business Travel Group, Inc/ CWT Holdings, LLC—see further, case page. Note—for all live mergers before the CMA, see further, UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker. Upcoming dates For dates of forthcoming UK competition developments, see further, UK Competition calendar......
Antitrust Commission consults on commitments offered by Corning in ‘ Gorilla Glass’ abuse investigation The Commission has initiated a market test of commitments proposed by Corning to address suspected abuse‑of‑dominance concerns tied to alleged exclusivity arrangements for the supply of Alkali‑aluminosilicate glass ( Alkali‑ AS Glass). This specialist material is mainly employed as cover glass in handheld electronic devices, and Corning markets it predominantly under the ‘ Gorilla Glass’ brand name. Alkali‑ AS Glass has two variants that are commercially significant: lithium aluminosilicate glass ( LAS Glass) and sodium aluminosilicate glass ( NAS Glass). By way of background, on 6 November 2024 the Commission launched a formal investigation because of concerns that Corning may have distorted competition in the Alkali‑ AS Glass market by concluding allegedly anti‑competitive exclusive supply agreements with mobile phone manufacturers ( OEMs) and with companies that process raw glass...
Mergers CMA prohibits Spreadex/ Sporting Index merger; Spreadex ordered to unwind the merger The CMA has issued its final Phase 2 report on the completed acquisition by Spreadex Limited of the B2C business of Sporting Index Limited, blocking the deal and directing Spreadex to unwind it. Spreadex and Sporting Index both offer fixed odds betting and sports spread betting to UK customers; Spreadex also operates in financial spread betting and casino betting. As the only licensed online sports spread betting providers, the CMA considered that any post-merger constraints from outside this market segment — including unlicensed sports spread betting operators, financial spread betting firms and sports fixed odds betting providers — would be weak. Consequently, the CMA concluded the merger would result in an SLC in the supply of UK licensed online sports spread betting services, confirming its provisional view. It creates a monopoly in the UK...
Antitrust Commission closes antitrust investigation into Apple's rules for developers of e-book/audiobook apps The Commission announced it had closed its Article 101 TFEU and/or Article 102 TFEU inquiry into Apple’s App Store rules and their effects on competition in music streaming and e-books/audiobooks ( AT.40652). By way of context, on 5 March 2020 an e-book and audiobook distributor submitted a complaint against Apple, which competes with the complainant via its Apple Books app. After the complaint was withdrawn, the Commission chose to end the investigation. For further details, consult PSL Competition’s case hub: Apple Store (e-books/audiobooks) ( AT.40652). Commission publishes findings of evaluation of the EU competition rules on TTBER The Commission has issued a Staff Working Document summarising the results of its evaluation of the Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation ( TTBER) and the accompanying Guidelines on the application of Article 101 TFEU to...
In this issue: UK mergers UK antitrust UK market studies EU antitrust EU digital markets Lex Talk®Competition: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Caselex UK mergers Boparan/ For Farmers ( Burston and Radstock mills) referred to phase 2 The CMA has referred to phase 2 the planned acquisition by Boparan Private Office Limited (via 2 Agriculture Limited) (2Agriculture) of For Farmers UK Limited's ( For Farmers UK) Burston and Radstock feed mills. For Farmers is a European producer and distributor of animal feed, headquartered in the Netherlands. 2Agriculture, a Boparan subsidiary, is among the UK's largest poultry feed suppliers by output volume produced and directs its production to Hook 2 Sisters, a Boparan-affiliated company, as well as farmers on the open market. On 6 November 2024, the CMA stated that the deal meets the...
Mergers The Commission has approved, following a phase I review, the joint acquisition of control over The Member Company by MML Growth Capital LLP and Apheon Management SA ( M.11759)—see further, Midday Express The Commission has also received notifications for: Schwenk/ Goldbeck/ Confinity JV ( M.11724) (simplified merger procedure) Strabag/ HFPS/ SRK ( M.11643) (simplified merger procedure) NOTE— For all live merger investigations before the Commission—see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker State aid Under EU State aid rules, the Commission has signed off a Romanian scheme (€578m) that reduces an electricity levy for energy‑intensive firms—see further, press release After an in‑depth probe, the Commission concluded that Italian measures benefitting Cineca—a non‑profit consortium including the Italian Ministry of Education and...
Competition policy CMA responds to the Government Industrial Strategy Green Paper and publishes speech by Sarah Cardell on how the CMA ‘is rising to the challenge on growth’ The CMA has issued its reply to the Government’s Green Paper, ‘ Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy’. This blueprint clearly outlines a decade-long programme to boost economic expansion by encouraging investment and activity, while easing regulatory obstacles to innovation across eight areas: advanced manufacturing clean energy industries creative industries defence digital and technologies financial services life sciences professional and business services......
Mergers The Commission approved: the purchase of exclusive control of Nord- Ostsee Automobile SE & CO. KG by Van Mossel Automotive International B. V.......
Mergers Boparan/ For Farmers ( Burston and Radstock mills) referred to phase 2 The CMA has now referred to phase 2 the anticipated purchase by Boparan Private Office Limited (via 2 Agriculture Limited) (2Agriculture) of For Farmers UK Limited’s ( For Farmers UK) Burston and Radstock feed mills. For Farmers is a European manufacturer and supplier of animal feed, with its base in the Netherlands. 2Agriculture, a subsidiary of Boparan, is among the UK’s largest suppliers of poultry feed by volume produced, and uses its production to supply Hook 2 Sisters, a company affiliated with Boparan, as well as farmers on the open market. On 6 November 2024, the CMA announced that the transaction met the test for reference for a phase 2 investigation. At phase 1, the CMA found that the transaction gives rise to a realistic prospect of an SLC as a result of...
Mergers The CMA confirmed it has determined that Alphabet Inc. ( Google LLC)’s tie-up with Anthropic PBC falls outside the merger control provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002—see the case page for more. Note— For active mergers before the CMA, see the UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker. Upcoming dates For forthcoming UK competition updates, see the UK Competition calendar for details, key dates and deadlines......
Mergers The Commission approved the acquisition of joint control over Rosenbauer International AG by Pierer Industrie AG, Mark Mateschitz Beteiligungs Gmb H and Raiffeisen Beteiligungsholding Gmb H ( M.11685) following a phase I review—see further, Midday Express The Commission received the notification in Shell Group/ Pavilion ( M.11669) (simplified merger procedure) The notification was withdrawn in Brasserie Nationale/ Boissons Heintz ( M.11485) The Commission issued the public version of its conditional phase II decision in MOL/ OMV/ Slovenija ( M.10438)—see further, the decision NOTE— For all live merger investigations before the Commission, see further, the EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker Upcoming dates: For dates of upcoming EU competition developments, see further, the EU Competition calendar......
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This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...
Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...
I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...
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