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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 Sole traders, informal partnerships and outdated partnership deeds are common.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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R (on the application of L1T FM Holdings Ltd and Letterone Core Investments Sàrl) v Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in the Cabinet Office (formerly Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) [2025] EWCA Civ 1528 What were the practical implications of the case? In light of the recent Court of Appeal ruling in L1T FM Holdings, market participants should expect that compensation above the price realised on a forced sale is unlikely where a transaction is unwound following a divestment order under the National Security and Investment Act 2021 ( NSIA 2021). Where there is a ‘reasonable relationship of proportionality’ between the value of the asset and the compensation awarded, that suffices to meet Article 1 of Protocol 1 ( A1P1) of the European Convention of Human Rights ( ECHR), which protects property rights. This judgment sits alongside the small number of cases that...
Mergers The CMA has released the full text of its Phase 1 clearance ruling concerning the anticipated purchase of Calders & Grandidge ( Boston) Limited by Rundvirke Industrier AB—see further, the decision. Note— For details of 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......
Foreign Subsidies Regulation Commission launches in-depth investigation into Nuctech Technology under the FSR The Commission has initiated an in-depth probe under Regulation 2022/2560 on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market (the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, FSR) to evaluate the activities of Nuctech Technology ( Nuctech) in producing and selling threat detection systems ( TDS) and providing related services within the EU. The FSR sets out rules to address distortions arising from foreign subsidies, including notification obligations (applicable since 12 October 2023) concerning certain concentrations and participation in public procurement procedures that involve foreign financial contributions. Nuctech is headquartered in China and is controlled by the state-owned Tsinghua Tongfang. In the EU, Nuctech operates via subsidiaries in Poland and the Netherlands and is active in the production, sale and maintenance of TDS, including security and inspection scanners for airports, ports and border...
In this issue: UK mergers National Investment and Security Act 2021 UK antitrust UK competition policy EU antitrust EU mergers EU Digital Markets Act EU State aid Lex Talk®Competition: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts Caselex UK mergers Vandemoortele/ Délifrance meets the test for reference to a phase 2 The CMA has decided that Vandemoortele Group’s proposed purchase of Délifrance SA satisfies the threshold for a phase 2 referral. Both Vandemoortele and Délifrance supply frozen bakery lines, including croissants and pain au chocolates, to retail and foodservice customers. Those customers bake the products on-site and then sell or serve them to end consumers. At phase 1, the CMA concluded the deal leads to an SLC arising from horizontal unilateral effects in the provision of frozen Laminated Dough ( LD) products to retail and...
Mergers TIL/ Hutchison Ports/ TERCAT referred to phase II The Commission has referred to phase II the planned joint acquisition of control over Terminal Catulunya ( TERCAT) by Terminal Investment Limited Holding ( TIL) and Hutchison Ports ( M.11811). TERCAT, owned by Hutchison Ports, operates the Barcelona Europe South Terminal ( BEST), the leading deep-sea container gateway for Barcelona and its hinterland. TIL, part of the MSC group—among the world’s largest container shipping operators—also has substantial terminal activities at the Port of Barcelona. After phase I, the Commission is concerned the deal may significantly lessen competition in container terminal services at the Port of Barcelona, potentially bringing about higher charges and diminished service standards for container liner operators competing with MSC. It concluded that terminal services in Barcelona are an essential input for shipping lines and that the merged entity could profitably pursue...
Competition policy CMA Microeconomics Unit publishes report on technology, productivity and competition The CMA’s Microeconomics Unit issued a study analysing ties between technology uptake and investment and firm-level productivity in the UK, and how market rivalry affects that connection......
Antitrust Commission launches investigation into Google’s use of publisher and You Tube content for AI training The Commission has initiated a formal competition investigation to determine whether Google has infringed Article 102 TFEU by using web publishers’ material and content uploaded to You Tube for artificial intelligence ( AI) purposes on unfair terms ( AT.40983). Commission’s concerns The Commission is assessing whether Google has: used web publishers’ content to produce AI-driven features on Google Search, including AI Overviews ( AI-generated summaries shown above organic results) and AI Mode (a chat-style search tab), without proper remuneration and without giving publishers a meaningful way to refuse such use without risking reduced access to Google Search, and/or used You Tube material, including videos and other uploads, to train its generative AI models without compensating creators and without providing an opt-out......
Mergers The CMA has opened an invitation to comment on the proposed acquisition by CRH ( UK) Limited of Gibson Bros Limited, Gibson Quarries ( Banbridge) Limited, Gibson ( Banbridge) Limited, T. H. Moore ( Contracts) Limited, Gibson Bros ( Ireland) Limited and M P Coleman Limited—see the case page for more. Note—for details of all live mergers before the CMA, consult the UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker. Upcoming dates: for forthcoming UK competition developments, please refer to the UK Competition calendar......
Mergers Commission unconditionally clears Mars/ Kellanova merger after phase II The Commission gave unconditional approval to Mars, Incorporated’s ( Mars) planned takeover of Kellanova (previously the Kellogg Company) ( M.11753). Mars supplies an extensive portfolio of well-known food product lines worldwide, spanning chewing gums, chocolate confectionery, sugar confectionery, rice and pet food items. Within the EEA, Kellanova is best recognised for its stack chips sold under the Pringles label and its ready-to-eat cereals marketed under the Kellogg’s brands. The Commission assessed whether the addition of Kellanova’s labels to Mars’ already sizeable line-up would materially and significantly strengthen Mars’ bargaining position with retailers, notably by allowing it to use a wider assortment to obtain higher prices. It concluded that Mars and Kellanova each already possess some market power in several product segments across numerous Member States, and that the combined group would, in...
Mergers The Commission approved: the purchase of exclusive control of Novo Banco SA by BPCE S. A....
Competition policy The Competition Appeal Tribunal ( CAT) has released a lecture by Sir Peter Roth, a CAT Chairman, delivered as the 25th Annual Burrell Lecture to the Competition Law Association at Gray’s Inn, addressing the development, progress, and challenges of the private enforcement of competition law—see further, lecture NOTE— For a summary of all ongoing competition law and legislation, see UK competition horizon scanning—2025 and beyond. Upcoming dates: For dates of upcoming UK competition developments, see further, UK Competition calendar......
Antitrust Commission launches investigation into Meta’s restrictions on AI providers’ access to Whats App The Commission has opened a formal antitrust probe to evaluate whether Meta’s new policy governing artificial intelligence ( AI) providers’ access to Whats App may infringe Article 102 TFEU ( AT.41034). Background In October 2025, Meta outlined a policy that bars third-party AI providers from using the ‘ Whats App Business Solution’ where AI is the primary service offered. Businesses may still deploy AI tools for ancillary or support purposes, such as automated customer assistance provided via Whats App. The Commission states that Meta intends to enforce this policy through an update to the Whats App Business Application Programming Interface terms......
In this issue: UK antitrust UK private actions UK competition policy EU antitrust EU State aid EU Digital Markets Act Lex Talk®Competition: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Caselex UK antitrust Ofgem publishes decision to accept binding commitments from Scotia Gas Networks to resolve abuse of dominance concerns Ofgem has announced, under section 31A of the Competition Act 1998, that it will accept binding commitments offered by Scotia Gas Networks ( SGN) after concerns that SGN misused its dominance on the SGN Gas Distribution Network by declining to adopt third‑party gas connections operating above 7 barg and by imposing unequal terms on equivalent transactions, thereby excluding competitors. The undertakings oblige SGN to keep and publicise the te SLO‑1 audit framework to assess whether self‑lay pipelines above 7 barg are...
Antitrust Court of Justice issues judgment concerning national reference from the Netherlands confirming courts have jurisdiction over representative antitrust actions against apple regarding the App Store The Court of Justice has delivered its ruling in Case C‑34/24, Stitching Right to Consumer Justice and Stitching App Stores Claims, a Dutch reference seeking guidance on jurisdiction in a damages claim against Apple for alleged breaches of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. The Court rejected Apple’s jurisdictional objections, confirming the Netherlands courts may hear the representative antitrust actions in full... Background Apple runs the i OS ecosystem, where the App Store—pre‑installed on all Apple devices since 2009—acts as the sole channel for developers to distribute apps to i Phone and i Pad users. An Apple ID is required, app availability differs by country, and Dutch‑configured Apple IDs are directed to the...
Antitrust Ofgem publishes decision to accept binding commitments from Scotia Gas Networks to resolve abuse of dominance concerns Ofgem has confirmed it will accept binding commitments offered by Scotia Gas Networks ( SGN) under section 31A of the Competition Act 1998, following concerns that SGN had exploited a dominant position within SGN Gas Distribution Network by declining to adopt higher-pressure (above 7 barg) third-party gas connections and by imposing non-uniform conditions on equivalent transactions, thereby excluding competitors. This published decision was intended to address abuse of dominance concerns identified by the regulator and resolve them......
Antitrust Government publishes response to its consultation regarding the draft amendment to the Competition Act 1998 ( Public Transport Ticketing Schemes Block Exemption) Order 2021 The Department for Business and Trade ( DBT) has issued the government’s reply to its July 2025 consultation on the draft Competition Act 1998 ( Public Transport Ticketing Schemes Block Exemption) ( Amendment) Order 2025. These proposed changes reflect the CMA’s January 2025 advice to refresh and extend the 2021 Block Exemption, which is scheduled to lapse on 28 February 2026......
Mergers The Commission approved: New Princes S.p. A. to take sole control of Carrefour Italia S.p. A. ( M.12121), following a phase I investigation—see Midday Express for further details Global Payments Inc. to acquire joint control of Erste Card d.o.o. ......
Mergers The CMA opened a phase 1 probe into the expected purchase of Eversholt UK Rails Limited by Beacon Rail Lux Holdings S.à r.l.; see the case page for further details. For all active CMA merger reviews, consult the UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker. Upcoming dates For forthcoming UK competition developments, refer to the UK Competition calendar......
Mergers The Commission has granted clearance for: the acquisition by HDI International AG of exclusive control over Towarzystwo Ubezpieczeń i Reasekuracji Warta S. A. and Towarzystwo Ubezpieczeń Europa S. A. ( M.12176) after a phase I investigation—see further, Midday Express the acquisition by Advent International, L. P. of sole control of Sapiens International Corporation N. V. ......
Private actions CAT made CPOs in two collective actions against Amazon concerning alleged abuse of dominance on Amazon Marketplace The CAT issued collective proceedings orders ( CPOs) in cases of Professor Andreas Stephan v Amazon.com Inc. & Others and Robert Hammand v Amazon.com, Inc. & Others, authorising Professor Andreas Stephan and Mr Robert Hammod to bring collective damages claims, pursuant to section 47B of the Competition Act 1998, in actions against Amazon......
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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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