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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 Sole traders, informal partnerships and outdated partnership deeds are common.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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Antitrust AG issues opinion regarding national reference from Dutch court on parity clauses and the application of Article 101 TFEU concerning dispute between Booking.com and hotel companies Advocate General Collins has issued his opinion in Case C- 264/23, Booking.com BV and Booking.com ( Deutschland) Gmb H v 25hours Hotel Company Berlin Gmb H and Others, following a reference from the Netherlands. The referring court seeks guidance on whether both wide and narrow parity clauses qualify as ancillary restrictions under Article 101(1) TFEU. Booking.com BV operates an online hotel reservation platform. Up to 2015, its agreements contained wide price parity clauses that stopped hotels from offering cheaper room rates through their own direct channels or any other outlets, including rival online travel agencies ( OTAs). Thereafter, Booking.com adopted narrow price parity clauses, which bar hotels from providing lower prices via their direct sales...
Mergers The Commission approved BASF SE’s acquisition granting sole control of Harbour Energy Plc and, indirectly, selected assets of Wintershall DEA AG ( M.11470) following a phase I review—see further, Midday Express The Commission received notifications in: VTTI/ Shell/ Dragon LNG ( M.11572) (simplified merger procedure) EFMS/ Permira/ Universidad Europea ( M.11549) (simplified merger procedure) The Commission issued the public version of its decision in Iberdrola/ BP/ JV ( M.11128)—see further, decision NOTE— For all live merger investigations before the Commission, see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker Antirust The Court of Justice held a hearing in Case C-2/23 FL und KM Baugesellschaft and S, a national reference from Austria seeking clarity on whether information from leniency statements and...
Private actions The CAT handed down its judgment in Ad Tech Collective Action LLP v Alphabet Inc case...
Mergers The CMA has issued an invitation to comment on the proposed acquisition of CWT Holdings, LLC by Global Business Travel Group, Inc — see case page. Note — for all live mergers before the CMA, see UK mergers — ongoing cases tracker. Upcoming dates For dates of forthcoming UK competition developments, see the UK Competition calendar......
Mergers The Commission granted clearance for: the acquisition of exclusive sole control of Gruppo LTC Sp A by Nexans SA ( M.11488) following a phase I investigation—see further, Midday Express the acquisition of joint control of Beautynova Sp A by PAI Partners S.à.rl and Bluegem Capital S.à.rl ( M.11528) after a phase I investigation—see further, Midday Express the formation of the joint venture Hydro Volt AS by Hydro Energi Invest AS and Northvolt Revolt AB ( M.11472) subsequent to a phase I investigation—see further, Midday Express NOTE— For all live merger investigations before the Commission, see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker State aid The Commission approved, under the EU State aid rules, an Italian scheme to support electricity production from renewable energy sources—see further, press release The Commission approved, under the EU State aid rules, an Italian scheme (worth €30m) to...
Mergers The CMA issued a notice ending the extension of the inquiry timetable for its phase 2 probe into the Vodafone/ CK Hutchison joint venture......
Mergers The Commission approved Capital Partners PLC’s acquisition of sole control of World of Talents NV ( M.11554) after a phase I review—see further, Midday Express. Notifications: WBD/ TWDC/ Fox/ JV ( M.11523) (simplified) OTPP/ Nordic Capital/ Advanz Pharma ( M.11512) (simplified) Drosed/ Indykpol ( M.11407) (normal) Full texts published: Article 4(4) referral in Cepsa/ Ballenoil ( M.11358) and the decision in CMA CGM/ Bollore Logistics ( M.11143)—see further, decision. NOTE— For live merger cases, see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker. State aid Application in Case T‑177/24 Germany v Commission, challenging the decision in SA.110055— Germany— Amendment of the combined heat and power and Offshore electricity surcharges reduction schemes for railway...
State aid Commission launches consultation on amendments to rules on small amounts of State aid to the agricultural sector The Commission has opened a consultation on suggested changes to the Agricultural de minimis Regulation No 1408/2013 (consolidated). This Regulation excludes minor support in agriculture from State aid scrutiny, as such assistance is considered too limited to influence competition or trade within the single market. Under the current framework, Member States may award up to €20,000 per beneficiary over three years—or €25,000 where a central register records de minimis aid—without notifying the Commission for approval. Beyond the per‑beneficiary limits, each Member State is subject to an overall national ceiling (a ‘national cap’) to prevent possible distortions of competition. The consultation concerns proposed amendments to these small‑amount rules for the agricultural sector, which were last updated in 2019......
State aid The Commission cleared, under EU State aid rules, an Italian €2bn scheme backing STMicroelectronics to build and run an integrated Silicon Carbide power chip plant in Catania, Sicily—see further, press release The Commission approved an amendment to the Guidelines on Regional State aid allowing higher regional aid for investments under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform—see further, press release NOTE— For all live State aid decisions and formal investigations, see further, EU State aid decisions—ongoing cases tracker NOTE— For ongoing EU competition law legislative, guidance and policy updates, see further, EU competition law—legislation and policy tracker Mergers The Commission received notification in TDR Capital/ Bubbles Bidco ( M.11591) under the simplified merger procedure NOTE— For live merger investigations before the Commission, see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker Digital markets The Commission formally designated Temu as a Very Large...
Mergers The CMA commenced its Phase 1 review and issued a public call for views regarding the anticipated acquisition by Nationwide Building Society of Virgin Money UK PLC—see further, case page For all live UK mergers before the CMA, see further, UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker. Upcoming dates: For timings of forthcoming UK competition developments, see further, UK Competition calendar......
Mergers The CMA has issued the full text of its phase 1 referral decision on Alpha Theta/ Serato—see further, decision NOTE— For every live merger before the CMA, see further, UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker Subsidy control The Subsidy Advice Unit accepted a request from the Department for Transport for a report on its proposed subsidy to Dover Harbour Board—see further, case page NOTE— For all matters referred to the Subsidy Advice Unit under the Subsidy Control Act 2022, see further, UK subsidy control—cases tracker Upcoming dates For dates of forthcoming UK competition developments, see further, UK Competition calendar......
In this issue: UK digital markets UK competition policy UK antitrust UK market investigations EU antitrust EU state aid Daily and weekly news alerts Lex Talk®Competition: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Caselex UK digital markets Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act receives Royal Assent The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act ( DMCC Act) has secured Royal Assent. Long anticipated, its passage was slowed by parliamentary priorities and scheduling considerations. After the 22 May 2024 announcement of UK parliamentary elections for 4 July 2024, the Bill was hurried through under the ‘wash-up’ process—an accelerated route used to save legislation from falling once Parliament is dissolved, ensuring the measure did not lapse. The DMCC Act is expected to take effect in Autumn 2024. Its scope and ramifications are wide-ranging, flowing from a prior consultation on reforms to the UK competition and consumer protection regimes, together with proposals for a new...
State aid Court of Justice dismisses Ryanair’s appeal regarding State aid granted by Finland in favour of Finnair due to the Covid-19 outbreak The Court of Justice delivered its ruling in Case C-353/21 P, Ryanair v Commission, brought as an appeal against the General Court’s judgment in Case T-388/20, which had rejected an action to annul the Commission decision of 18 May 2020. That decision endorsed a Finnish State guarantee supporting a €600m loan to Finnair to lessen the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak on the airline ( SA.56809) (the Commission’s 2020 decision). The Court of Justice dismissed the appeal in full. The Commission had authorised the Finnish State guarantee under Article 107(3)(b) TFEU, considering it necessary, suitable and proportionate to address a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State. The General Court also found that a possible collapse of Finnair would have had...
Private actions Litigation Funding Agreements ( Enforceability) Bill will see ‘no further progress’ On 22 May 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the holding of a general election for 4 July 2024. Consequently, a significant portion of outstanding bills fell away during the pre-election wash-up, with parliament being prorogued on 24 May......
State aid General Court dismisses further appeal regarding Spanish aid for the acquisition of ships The General Court has delivered its judgment in Case T-509/14, Decal España v Commission, an action challenging the Commission’s decision of 17 July 2013 which found that a Spanish scheme for acquiring ships, using leasing and financing aided by tax relief, involved unlawful State aid ( SA.21233) (the Commission’s 2013 decision). The Court dismissed the action. Under that scheme, a shipowner could commission a new vessel and benefit from a reduction on the amount billed by the shipyard. However, to obtain the reduced price (net of the rebate), the shipping company was required to refrain from purchasing the vessel directly from the shipyard and instead buy it from an economic interest grouping ( EIG) established under Spanish law and set up by a bank. The...
Mergers The CMA has released an issues paper as part of its phase 2 probe into Lindab/ HAS- Vent...
Mergers The Commission has authorised the acquisition of joint control over PSA Canada Ventures by PSA International and Terminal Investment Limited ( M.11429) following a phase I review—see also, Midday Express. The notification has been filed in Tasaru/ Benteler/ Holon ( M.11563) under the simplified merger review procedure. In EEX/ Nasdaq ( M.11241), commitments have been offered during the phase I examination. 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 approved a fourth Important Project of Common European Interest (€1.4bn) to support research, innovation and initial industrial deployment within the hydrogen value chain—see further, press release. The Commission also approved, under EU State aid rules, the first Important Project of Common European Interest (€1bn) to support research, innovation and the first...
Antitrust Commission launches call for evidence on the scope of content of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption The Commission has opened a call for evidence to gather feedback on the scope and substance of its review of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation ( MVBER), as well as on the linked Supplementary Guidelines dealing with vertical restraints in agreements for the sale and repair of motor vehicles and for the distribution of spare parts (the Supplementary Guidelines), and invites interested stakeholders to share their views. In April 2023, the Commission resolved to extend the MVBER for a further five years, up to 31 May 2028. At the same time, it revised the Supplementary Guidelines to acknowledge the growing significance of access to vehicle‑generated data, which is necessary for maintenance and repair services, as an element of effective...
Digital markets Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act receives Royal Assent The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act ( DMCC Act) has now secured Royal Assent. Long anticipated, it had been held up by parliamentary priorities and scheduling. Following the 22 May 2024 announcement of UK parliamentary elections set for 4 July 2024, the Bill moved through Parliament under the ‘wash-up’ process—an expedited route to prevent the legislation from lapsing once Parliament is dissolved. The DMCC Act is expected to take effect in Autumn 2024. The Act’s scope and implications are extensive, building on a prior consultation about reforms to the UK competition and consumer protection regimes, together with proposals for a new pro-competition framework for digital markets. From a competition law standpoint, the principal reforms introduced by the DMCC Act include: Creating a new pro-competition regime for digital markets. The CMA will be able to...
Mergers The Commission has received notifications in: APG Asset Management/ Stonepeak/ Eunetworks ( M.11535) (simplified merger procedure) ZGC ENV/ Deutz China/ JV ( M.11428) (simplified merger procedure) Cerberus/ Velobank ( M.11522) (simplified merger procedure) The Commission has issued the latest Competition Merger Brief ( Issue 1/2024, May), presenting DG Competition staff analysis of its assessment and decisions in recent matters: Viasat/ Inmarsat; Microsoft/ Activision Blizzard; Hitachi Rail/ Thales GTS; and Novozymes / Chr. Hansen—see further, Competition Merger Brief ( Issue 1/2024, May) NOTE— For all live merger investigations before the Commission, see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker Russia’s war against Ukraine The Commission has approved a €4bn French scheme to back measures cutting greenhouse gas emissions in...
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When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...
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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