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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 Sole traders, informal partnerships and outdated partnership deeds are common.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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State aid General Court annuls Commission decision on Danish waste water treatment pricing The General Court delivered its ruling in Case T‑486/18 RENV, Danske Slagtermestre v Commission, on an appeal challenging the Commission’s decision in State aid Case SA.37433— Denmark, concerning alleged State aid arising from rebates on waste water charges. The proceedings were remitted to the General Court following the Court of Justice’s judgment in Case C‑99/21. For context, in 2013 Denmark passed legislation introducing a lower rate per cubic metre once a certain volume of waste water had been discharged, which resulted in diminished payments for the largest users of water services (the 2013 Law). Danske Slagtermestre, a trade association, submitted a complaint to the Commission contending that the 2013 Law bestowed State aid on major slaughterhouses by reducing their contributions for waste water treatment. It concerned waste water treatment pricing,...
Mergers The Commission authorised: the transaction conferring joint control of Smart Clinic S.r.l. to Generalie Italia S.p. A., Gruppo San Donato S.p. A., and GK Holding Italia S.r.l. ......
Antitrust CMA issues correspondence to the nail technician community on adhering to competition rules. The CMA has sent an open letter to nail professionals, trade associations and membership organisations, reminding them of their duties under competition law. It also references press coverage about a campaign urging nail technicians to increase their prices in the media......
Mergers Following the completion of a phase I review conducted by the Commission, it approved Tönnies’ acquisition of selected Vion assets ( M.11446)—see further, Midday Express. NOTE— For all live ongoing merger reviews currently before the Commission, see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker. State aid The Commission found that investment support awarded by Czechia to a number of large Czech farming businesses in 2017–2018 breached the EU State aid rules. Czechia must now claw back the incompatible aid (with interest)—see further, press release. The Commission has now cleared, under EU State aid rules, a German measure (valued at €350m) to back renewable hydrogen production via the European Hydrogen Bank’s “ Auctions-as-a- Service” instrument—see further, Midday Express. NOTE— For all live State aid decisions and live formal State aid probes, see further, EU State aid...
Mergers The CMA confirmed it has taken undertakings in place of making a Phase 2 reference regarding the expected purchase of Mick George Limited by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited—see further, case page, please. NOTE— For all live mergers before the CMA, see further, UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker as well. Subsidy control The Subsidy Advice Unit has released its final report offering advice to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on the proposed Capacity Market scheme—see further, final report. NOTE— For all decisions referred to the Subsidy Advice Unit under the Subsidy Control Act 2022, please see further, UK subsidy control—cases tracker. Upcoming dates For dates of forthcoming UK competition developments, please see further, UK Competition calendar......
Mergers Vodafone/ CK Hutchison referred to phase 2 The CMA has referred the anticipated joint venture between Vodafone Group Plc ( Vodafone) and CK Hutchison Holdings Limited ( CK Hutchison), concerning Vodafone Limited ( VUK) and Hutchison 3G UK Limited (3UK). Following the parties’ decision not to offer proposed undertakings in lieu, VUK remains owned by Vodafone. 3UK is owned by CK Hutchison. VUK and 3UK are two leading suppliers of mobile telecommunications services in the UK. On 22 March 2023, the CMA stated that the transaction satisfies the test for reference to a phase 2 investigation. During phase 1, the CMA concluded that the proposed transaction creates a realistic prospect of an SLC in the provision of retail mobile services and wholesale mobile services in the UK......
Mergers The Commission cleared: the acquisition granting sole control of Kohler Energy by Platinum Equity Group ( M.11426) following a phase I review—see further, Midday Express the acquisition of sole control over the Canadian coal business and assets of Teck Resources Limited by Glencore plc ( M.11392) after a phase I review—see further, Midday Express the acquisition of sole control of Fertiglobe plc by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company ( M.11443) after a phase I review—see further, Midday Express The Commission also issued the public version of its decision regarding the Article 4(4) referral in Kaufland/ SCP Real Assets ( M.11423). Note— For all live merger probes before the Commission, see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker Upcoming dates For dates of forthcoming EU competition developments, see further, EU Competition calendar......
Mergers The CMA has ended its phase 1 probe into Wolseley UK Limited’s planned purchase of Kooltech Limited, after the divestment business ( Kooltech’s Aberdeen branch) was sold in line with the undertakings in lieu of reference—see further, case page The CMA has issued Guidance setting out its process and assessment approach for scrutinising mergers that involve energy network businesses ( CMA190)—see further, Guidance NOTE— For every live merger before the CMA, see further, UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker Antitrust The CMA has revised its timetable for the Chapter I inquiry into buying freelance services that support the production and broadcast of sports content in the UK. It has also trimmed the scope to remove probes concerning the employment of staff who support the production and broadcasting of sports content in the UK—see further, case page NOTE— For all active...
Mergers The Commission has released the non-confidential version of its decision in Nordic Metal/ Alumeco Group ( M.11061). NOTE— For all current merger reviews before the Commission, see the EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker. Foreign subsidies The Commission has launched two in-depth inquiries under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation concerning the solar photovoltaic sector—see further, press release. NOTE— For every ongoing matter under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, refer to the Foreign Subsidies Regulation—ongoing cases tracker. Upcoming dates For timings of forthcoming EU competition developments, see the EU Competition calendar......
Mergers The CMA confirmed it is inviting feedback on its updated provisional ruling regarding the assessment of undertakings supplied by Circle Health Holdings in place of a reference, connected to its recently finalised acquisition of CHC Healthcare Holdings Limited......
Mergers The Commission approved the acquisition conferring sole control of Eriks N. V. to Lone Star Global Acquisitions, Ltd...
Mergers The CMA approved Aviva plc’s anticipated purchase of AIG Life Limited following a phase 1 review process—see further, case page NOTE— For all currently live mergers under review before the CMA, see further, UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker Subsidy control The Subsidy Advice Unit issued its final report providing guidance to Transport Scotland in relation to its proposed Network Support Grant scheme—see further, Final Report NOTE— For all decisions 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, please see further, UK Competition calendar......
Russia’s war against Ukraine Under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, the Commission cleared: a French measure (totalling €900m) aiding firms investing in biomass and renewable hydrogen for energy and fuel production, to advance the move to a net-zero economy in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan—see further, press release a modification to an existing Italian scheme, including a €150m budget uplift, to support companies in the agricultural, forestry, fishery and aquaculture sectors in Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine—see further, Midday Express Note— For all Commission decisions adopted under the Temporary Crisis Framework, and the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, see further, Conflict in Ukraine— EU State aid decisions Upcoming dates For dates of forthcoming EU competition developments, see further, EU Competition calendar......
Antitrust Commission opens formal investigation against Zoetis regarding potential breach of Article 102 TFEU over novel pain drug for dogs The Commission has publicly revealed the opening of a formal probe to assess if Zoetis may have infringed Article 102 TFEU by hindering the entry and rollout of a rival, innovative biologic intended to treat chronic canine pain ( Case AT.40734). Zoetis is a global animal health group headquartered in the US. For context, in November 2020, Virbac, a French animal health specialist, also formally lodged a complaint against Zoetis. In October 2021, the Commission also conducted unannounced inspections at Zoetis’ premises in Belgium. Librela, from Zoetis, is the first and sole monoclonal antibody medicine approved in Europe for alleviating pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs......
Mergers The CMA approved the expected takeover of Atlanta Investment Holdings 3 Limited by Venus Topco Limited following a phase 1 review—see further, case page NOTE— For all live mergers before the CMA, see further, UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker Antitrust The CMA has revised its timetable for its probe into suspected competition law infringements in the procurement of freelance services and the hiring of staff who support the production, creation and/or broadcast of television content in the UK, excluding sport. The authority indicates it will undertake additional investigatory steps and review the evidence until October 2024—see further, case page The CAT issued an order (dated 15 March 2024) in Squibb Group Limited v CMA, an appeal against the CMA’s 23 March 2023 decision in Supply of construction services, which sought to have the decision quashed or partly annulled with a reduced...
Mergers Commission issues statement of objections in its phase II investigation into acquisition of ITA Airways The Commission has issued a statement of objections to Deutsche Lufthansa AG ( Lufthansa) and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance ( MEF) regarding its ongoing phase II investigation into the proposed acquisition of joint control of ITA Airways ( ITA) by Lufthansa and MEF ( M.11071). Lufthansa and ITA operate wide domestic networks, short‑haul services across the EEA, and long‑haul connections between the EEA and the rest of the world. Lufthansa is also party to a joint venture with United Airlines and Air Canada, through which they co‑ordinate pricing, capacity and timetables and share revenues on transatlantic routes. On 23 January 2023, the Commission referred the proposed transaction due to concerns that it could reduce competition in the market for passenger air transport services on several...
Mergers The CMA confirmed the planned acquisition of Autotalks Ltd by Qualcomm Incorporated has been abandoned—see further, case page. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has extended the period for parties’ representations on whether to refer RB Investco Ltd’s anticipated purchase of Telegraph Media Group to a CMA phase 2 investigation—see further, correspondence to Red Bird IMI on the deadline extension. NOTE— For all current CMA merger cases, see further, UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker. NOTE— For an overview of live and completed mergers where the UK government has intervened on public interest grounds under the Enterprise Act, see further, Government interventions on public interest grounds—merger cases tracker. Subsidy control The Subsidy Advice Unit has accepted a request from the Welsh Government to report on its proposed Social Sector Medium and High- Rise Buildings Fire Safety Grant Fund– Large Awards...
Mergers Vodafone/ CK Hutchison JV meets the test for reference to phase 2 The CMA has published its decision, finding that the anticipated joint venture between Vodafone Group Plc ( Vodafone) and CK Hutchison Holdings Limited ( CK Hutchison), relating to Vodafone Limited ( VUK) and Hutchison 3G UK Limited (3UK), satisfies the threshold for a phase 2 reference. VUK is owned by Vodafone. 3UK is owned by CK Hutchison. VUK and 3UK are both leading suppliers of mobile telecommunications services in the UK. At phase 1, the CMA determined that the deal creates a realistic prospect of an SLC in the provision of both retail mobile services and wholesale mobile services in the UK......
Mergers The Commission authorised: the establishment of a joint venture by DWS Group Gmb H & Co. KGa A, Galaxy Digital Labs LLC and Flow Traders Holding LLC ( M.11439) following a phase I investigation — see further in Midday Express the acquisition of joint control of Argal Alimentación S. A. by Smithfield Foods Holding Limited and Manusian Family, S. L., Guembox Inversiones, S. L., Mr. ......
Mergers AG issues opinion proposing Court of Justice set aside the General Court judgment and annul Commission decisions regarding Article 22 EUMR referral request in Illumina/ GRAIL merger Advocate General Emiliou has delivered his opinion in Joined Cases C‑611/22 P, Illumina v Commission, and C‑625/22 P, GRAIL v Commission and Illumina, concerning appeals against the General Court’s ruling in Case T‑227/21, which rejected an action to annul the Commission’s 19 April 2021 decision accepting a referral under Article 22 EUMR regarding Illumina, Inc.’s acquisition of GRAIL, Inc. ( M.10188). He proposes that the Court of Justice set aside the General Court’s judgment and annul the Commission’s decisions on the Article 22 referral. By way of background, the Illumina/ GRAIL transaction did not trigger notification thresholds under either national or EU merger control regimes, but, following a complaint, the Commission was invited to consider a...
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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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