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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 Sole traders, informal partnerships and outdated partnership deeds are common.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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In this issue: Ukraine conflict Insurance types Reinsurance UK regulation Cases tracker Dates for your diary New and updated content Daily and weekly news alerts Lex Talk®Insurance: a Lexis®Nexis community Ukraine conflict Allianz has highlighted a ‘shadow fleet’ of more than 600 tankers moving Russian oil in defiance of sanctions. Over 600 tankers are currently engaged in transporting Russian oil in breach of international sanctions targeting the country’s energy industry after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, an insurer cautioned on 27 May 2025. See: 600 'shadow fleet' tankers carry Russian oil, Allianz warns. Insurance types Property insurance A London court has directed the owner of a Piccadilly Circus property to repay in excess of £640,000 it overcharged tenant Picturehouse Cinemas by loading insurance premiums for the premises with top-tier broker commissions retained by the landlord. See: Picturehouse wins insurance fee battle with landlord. Aviva has advised British homeowners to remain vigilant about the threat of fire to homes and...
On 28 May 2025, FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi confirmed the regulator will release interim conclusions on premium finance arrangements in summer 2025. He noted a distinct report on how home and travel insurance claims are processed will follow in due course. The FCA opened its premium finance probe in October 2024, covering models where policyholders spread the cost of annual cover over monthly instalments instead of paying upfront. Under these set-ups, insurers may impose eye-wateringly steep interest charges on repayments, in these types of agreements. The......
The High Court found on 30 May 2025 that landlord London Trocadero (2015) LLP had charged commission levels, from 2020–25 ,above the norm to its tenant: cinema company Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd. London Trocadero is ultimately owned by billionaire property developer Asif Aziz. At the outset of a March 2025 trial, Picturehouse and its parent Cineworld Cinemas told the court they had leased part of the landmark Trocadero building in the West End. The cinema companies claimed that between 2015–21 the landlord overcharged ‘insurance rent’, the tenant’s contribution towards the building’s insurance premium under the lease. London Trocadero sits within the Criterion Group, which reports a property portfolio worth more than £4bn. According to the judgment, Criterion Capital acted as managing agent within the group and arranged the property insurance for London Trocadero. The judgment records that Criterion Capital placed a block policy with a...
Allianz Commercial warned that the swift expansion of the so-called shadow fleet heightens the likelihood of maritime incidents or oil pollution, which could lead to damages worth billions of dollars. An alternative tanker trade has developed following the sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine......
On 28 May 2025, the ABI announced that its refreshed 'salvage code of practice' now more closely aligns with modern vehicle technology, thereby helping to ensure that dangerous cars and parts are not put back on the road......
In this issue: Coronavirus ( COVID-19) business interruption insurance Insurance types: Construction Insurance types: Protection and investments Cases Cases tracker Dates for your diary New and updated content Lex Talk®Insurance: a Lexis®Nexis community Coronavirus ( COVID-19) business interruption insurance Businesses argue for £80m in COVID-19 payouts from insurers Hospitality operators shuttered during the coronavirus ( COVID-19) emergency contend their insurers owe them £80m, telling the court on the first day of trial on 20 May 2025 that they should receive compensation each time they were materially impacted by pandemic measures. See: Businesses argue for £80m in COVID-19 payouts from insurers. Insurance types: Construction Engineer can't persuade top court to block repairs case On 21 May 2025, Britain’s highest court dismissed an engineering company’s attempt to avoid a claim by a housing developer seeking to claw back the cost of...
In a defence lodged on 28 May 2025, Chubb European Group plc told the High Court it has no obligation to pay Aegis Motor Insurance Ltd, which reinsured AIG. Chubb says AIG should not have paid US$2.9m to settle a New York case arising from a car crash involving Pulitzer prize-nominated journalist Sarah Maslin Nir and her friend, as the underlying policy was intended to respond only to disputes in the UK. The defence asserts that neither AIG’s loss settlement nor Aegis’s payment under its reinsurance binder fell within the terms and conditions of the AIG motor policy, and that AIG had no entitlement to seek reimbursement......
The UK Supreme Court has thrown out a challenge by URS Corp Ltd, a subsidiary of infrastructure consultancy AECOM, seeking to avoid claims from BDW Trading Ltd, the business behind developer Barratt Redrow. Justice Andrew Burrows explained that the court dismissed URS Corp’s contention that the expense of remedial works to two high-rise apartment blocks fell outside its duty of care to BDW Trading because BDW chose to carry out the works. He stated there is no applicable ‘voluntariness principle’ and, in any event, BDW may not have been acting of its own free will, at all, as it was addressing the risk of injury or death to occupants of the towers. ‘ It is strongly arguable that three aspects of the assumed facts show BDW was not, in a real sense, acting voluntarily when paying for the repairs to be...
Broadstone analysed the results of the latest Financial Lives survey Broadstone reviewed findings from the Financial Conduct Authority’s ( FCA) most recent Financial Lives study and identified that, in 2024, 7.6 million adults—14% of the UK adult population—held private medical insurance, an increase of nearly one million across 2020–2024. The figures also highlighted a rise in take-up of healthcare cash plans, up by more than one million to 5.1 million adults over the same period. Brett Hill, Broadstone’s head of health and protection, noted the analysis likewise shows employers are increasingly stepping in to provide benefits packages that support the health and wellbeing of their workforce......
Marsh Ltd and White Oak Commercial Finance Europe ( Non- Levered) Ltd settled their dispute on 21 May 2025 while the trial was ongoing. A Marsh representative told Law360 the broker was glad to see the issue concluded. San Francisco-based White Oak had asserted that Marsh owed it US$142.7m for arranging an insurance policy intended to protect its investments in Greensill Capital, a supply-chain finance business. In 2023, the investor reported the policy failed to respond. White Oak alleged Marsh was aware of difficulties at Greensill and did not reveal them, risks which could have jeopardised the cover being marketed. Greensill, established by Australian entrepreneur Lex Greensill, collapsed in 2021 after its insurer, Tokio Marine, declined to renew a US$4.6bn policy underpinning the company. White Oak further contended that one policy placed by Marsh proved worthless when a probe found the...
A group of 22 businesses led by Bath Racecourse Co Ltd told the High Court that under a composite policy they should be indemnified for every occasion that business was interrupted at the height of the pandemic. The defendant insurers are Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE, Allianz Insurance Plc and Aviva Insurance Ltd. Representing the businesses, Adam Kramer KC of 3 Verulam Buildings argued that his clients are owed compensation for a ‘plurality’ of connected interruptions, instead of folding everything into a single loss attributed to an imposed restriction. He pointed to the policy wording, which fixes the interruption at the point the enterprise was disrupted to the extent it materially affected the business; how swiftly operations were stabilised, he said, is merely a question of quantification. The claimants all sit within the Arena Racing Company, an operator of venues spanning...
In this issue: Insurance types: Cyber UK regulation EU regulation Cases tracker Dates for your diary New and updated content Daily and weekly news alerts Lex Talk®Insurance: a Lexis®Nexis community Insurance types: Cyber Aviva to use AI tool to map cyberthreat behaviour On 19 May 2025, Aviva Plc confirmed it has begun deploying artificial intelligence ( AI) to chart the cyber risks to which companies in its portfolio are most exposed. See: Aviva to use AI tool to map cyberthreat behaviour. UK regulation FCA publishes Financial Lives 2024 survey report The Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA) has released its Financial Lives 2024 survey report, setting out findings on the financial resilience of UK consumers. Results show many lack cash reserves: 10% have none, and 21% hold under £1,000 for emergencies. A quarter report difficulties keeping up with financial...
The company said it is the first insurer to integrate Cyber Cube’s ‘portfolio threat actor intelligence’ service into its exposure management strategy, enabling the insurance company to judge which of its companies are most vulnerable to specific cyberthreats. The service, which Aviva said it will use together with a claim of other Cyber Cube analytics services, employs large language models to gather intelligence from digital forensics data and data leaks tied to ransomware groups, the statement notes. It will enable Aviva to obtain further insights into how digital actors operate and the tactics they use to carry out attacks......
The broker, part of the WTW Group, said its Fin Tech Plus solution is built to address the hurdles financial technology firms encounter as they grow and manage shifting regulation. The product offers options for comprehensive cyber cover, according to the statement, and is issued via a single proposal form and consistent wording that Willis said would streamline the insurance process. Trenton Mc Nee, Willis’ fintech and digital assets industry lead for Great Britain, said the new product reflects Willis’ commitment to innovation and its alignment across the global network. Willis said fintech specialists in the UK and US created the solution during 2024, and the broker said it will adapt to the requirements of businesses at different stages and with varied business models......
Starboard Hotels Ltd and several related hospitality ventures have reached a settlement with Liberty Mutual, as recorded in a Tomlin Order made at the High Court on 1 May 2025 and only recently revealed to the public. The details of the agreement were not disclosed. Representatives for either side could not immediately be reached for further comment. Starboard Hotels operates a portfolio of franchised properties in England trading under well-known banners including Holiday Inn and Ibis. The company, together with its connected businesses, brought legal proceedings against the American insurer in 2023......
In this issue: Coronavirus ( COVID-19) business interruption insurance Intermediaries and market practice Insurance types— Trade credit UK regulation EU regulation Cases tracker Dates for your diary New and updated content Daily and weekly news alerts Lex Talk®Insurance: a Lexis®Nexis community Coronavirus ( COVID-19) business interruption insurance AIG defeats COVID-19 loss claim brought by Cornish hotels: Carbis Bay Hotel Ltd and another company v American International Group Ltd (sued on its own behalf and on behalf of all Underwriters subscribing to Policy P/ CCK/10759). On 9 May 2025, the court held AIG need not indemnify two Cornwall bar and hotel owners for pandemic losses they claimed, as the wording did not expressly insure the COVID-19 disease under the policy. See: AIG wins COVID-19 loss payout dispute with Cornish...
Jonathan Russen KC, sitting as a High Court judge, ruled in favour of American International Group Ltd, holding that the insurer is not obliged to indemnify Carbis Bay Hotel Ltd and Atlantic Bay Hotel Ltd because COVID-19 fell outside the infectious diseases extension to their business interruption cover. Judge Russen concluded the insurers’ reading of the extension was correct. On a proper construction of the policy, the term “disease” is restricted to the specific illnesses listed in the business interruption section’s definition, which does not include COVID-19. The judgment records that Carbis Bay Hotel operates a portfolio of hospitality businesses in the Cornish resort of St Ives, including the Carbis Bay Hotel and the Gannet Inn. The second claimant owns and runs the Atlantic Bay Hotel, which is likewise in St Ives......
The Fulham Shore Ltd, the owner of The Real Greek restaurant group, has reached a settlement with the Malta-based insurer, as set out in a Tomlin Order dated 1 May 2025 from the High Court. The order disclosed no full terms of the deal, and spokespeople for the dining businesses could not be reached for immediate comment following the order. In December 2024, the restaurant group maintained its cover should have protected it from the losses it suffered when Britain entered extensive, government-ordered lockdowns during that period......
Counsel for White Oak Commercial Finance Europe ( Non- Levered) Ltd told the High Court that Marsh Ltd had given assurances that the investment scheme’s existing insurance would respond if matters deteriorated. Simon Birt KC of Brick Court Chambers said White Oak’s confidence that Marsh had procured trade credit insurance for the deal was ‘crucial’ to its choice to acquire receivables from Greensill Capital. He noted that internal White Oak papers characterised the policy as the ‘first port of call’ should a default occur. Yet, without White Oak knowing, Marsh learned that ‘something has gone wrong’ with the cover because the individual who approved it lacked authority to do so, Birt said. He added that the revelation ‘seems to have spread shock waves’ within Marsh, but that the broker still sought to ‘keep a lid on the situation’ and went on...
In this issue: Cases and decisions Insurance types— Trade credit Intermediaries and market practice— Brokers EU regulation Cases tracker Dates for your diary New and updated content Daily and weekly news alerts Lex Talk®Insurance: a Lexis®Nexis community Cases and decisions Malhotra Leisure Ltd v Aviva Insurance Ltd An escape of water from a storage tank resulted in damage to hotel premises. The owner, as Claimant, held insurance for property loss and the consequent interruption to the business. The Defendant insurer refused to provide an indemnity, alleging the Claimant had intentionally and dishonestly brought about the loss. It further asserted there were related breaches by the Claimant of the Policy’s fraud condition. The court found the incident to be a fortuitous occurrence and concluded there was no breach of the Fraud Condition. Accordingly, the Commercial Court declared that the...
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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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