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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 Sole traders, informal partnerships and outdated partnership deeds are common.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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Statement follows. EDPB and EDPS support harmonisation of clinical trials under European Biotech Act, but call for specific safeguards for sensitive health data Brussels, 12 March 2026— The European Data Protection Board ( EDPB) and the European Data Protection Supervisor ( EDPS) have issued a Joint Opinion on the European Commission’s Proposal for a European Biotech Act. The Proposal aims to reinforce Europe’s biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors, particularly in health, by simplifying the regulatory landscape and updating the framework for clinical trials. The EDPB and the EDPS back the Proposal’s objective of strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and tackling existing fragmentation in the implementation of the Clinical Trials Regulation ( CTR). Notably, they welcome the intention to create a single legal basis for sponsors and investigators to process personal data, which would greatly improve legal certainty across Europe......
EU financial services developments ECB presents annual supervisory report for 2025 The European Central Bank ( ECB) has released its 2025 annual overview of supervisory activities. It assesses the resilience of banks under the ECB’s direct oversight in 2025 and sets out supervisory priorities for 2025–27. Presenting the report to the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, ECB chair Claudia Buch noted that EU banks have entered a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty with strong short-term indicators and solid capitalisation, while risks over the medium to long term remain elevated. In response, EU banking supervision is further reinforcing its risk-based approach. The ECB is concentrating on the most material risks to safeguard the sector’s resilience and is streamlining supervisory work to be more efficient and effective. The report also outlines the reform of EU supervision now in progress and emphasises that fully...
Mergers The Commission approved the acquisition, thereby granting EQT Fund Management S.à.r.l. sole control of David Topco S.à r.l....
Countrywide Partners Ltd v HMRC [2026] UKFTT 357 ( TC) HMRC served the appellant with a stop notice over a contractor loan arrangement for which it had been tagged as the promoter and given a scheme reference number. Despite the notice, the appellant continued to produce payslips, process salary and loan disbursements, and file RTI returns for users of the scheme. HMRC determined these steps amounted to the ongoing organisation and management of arrangements, and levied a £1m penalty under FA 2014, Sch 35, being £100,000 plus £5,000 in respect of each of 180 users......
See Q& A: What is the definition of an 'undivided share of an interest in land' for the purposes of section 102B of the Finance Act 1986? Section 102B of the Finance Act 1986 ( FA 1986) sets out how an individual's disposal of an undivided interest in land is treated when assessing whether that transaction constitutes a gift with a reservation of benefit under the legislation concerned......
New Risk & Compliance forecast as at 17 March 2026 Our Risk & Compliance forecast as at 17 March 2026 monitors proposed regulatory developments relevant to Risk & Compliance practitioners, enabling you to prepare for any changes that may impact your organisation. You should please read it carefully and in full, although several matters that ought to be on your radar are outlined below......
Lanigan and another v Hyslop and others [2026] EWHC 128 ( Ch) What are the practical implications of this case? The decision delivers a valuable analysis of how office-holders should approach assigning causes of action that may comprise part of an insolvent company’s or individual’s assets, while acknowledging that they will often lack the resources and time to carry out thorough investigations into prospective claims. At the same time, it underlines that office-holders cannot invoke limited time or funding to justify a choice that cannot be objectively defended. The judgment is also notably instructive on standing to apply under IA 1986, s 168(5), and on the criteria the court will deploy when determining that question. It should not be presumed that a creditor automatically has standing; it must be evident that the applicant proceeds in their capacity as a creditor and not, for...
EU governments and lawmakers kicked off negotiations on 23 February 2026 to design a fresh mechanism to curb imports of steel from outside the EU, with the next session scheduled for 17 March 2026. They seek to seal a final deal on a regulation intended to offset the adverse trade-related impacts of global steel overcapacity on the EU market. The existing steel safeguard framework, operating since 2018 under WTO rules, is set to lapse on 30 June 2026. In its absence, Europe’s steel sector would confront structural worldwide overcapacity projected to reach 721 million metric tonnes by 2027, exceeding the EU’s yearly consumption by more than a factor of five. The mounting urgency reflects a worsening market outlook for EU manufacturers......
As at 17 March 2026, our Practice Compliance forecast monitors anticipated regulatory developments affecting law firm compliance, helping you prepare for any adjustments pertinent to your organisation. It warrants a thorough and careful read, yet a few matters that deserve attention are highlighted below for planning purposes and action now. New items we’re tracking this month Call for evidence on economic crime information sharing gateways — the Home Office has issued a call for evidence inviting views on how data is presently shared to detect, prevent, investigate and disrupt economic crime in the UK, with emphasis on identifying obstacles and opportunities to enhance information sharing systems......
LT v RV [2026] HKCFI 1280 What are the practical implications of this case? This ruling resonates well beyond the immediate dispute. Do not presume an arbitration settlement will always have award status for every purpose. To secure award effect, ask the tribunal to issue an award on agreed terms under Article 30 of the UNCITRAL Model Law, as given effect by section 66(1) of the Arbitration Ordinance ( Cap. 609), and provide draft operative wording that squarely disposes of claims, counterclaims, releases and costs. A bare termination order can leave too much outside the tribunal’s dispositive ruling. The tribunal becoming functus is not enough on its own. Be deliberate about the forum for any later dispute over the settlement. Here, the award route failed, but the Settlement Agreement’s exclusive Hong Kong court clause let LT seek declaratory relief in court. That drafting choice...
What was the background to the dispute? The arbitration stems from an actio ut singuli brought by Mr [ J], a minority investor in Petrobras, against the União, seeking compensation for harm allegedly sustained by Petrobras after the appointment of board members reportedly linked to the Brazilian ‘ Lava Jato’ corruption affair. Petrobras is a Brazilian mixed-economy entity engaged in the production, exploration, refining and sale of oil and gas. Its by-laws include an arbitration clause. On that footing, MUDES launched CAM arbitration proceedings in March 2017, and Mr [ J] filed separate CAM proceedings in October 2017, both directed at the União. The União contested the clause’s applicability, denied being bound to arbitrate, and challenged the objective arbitrability of the case, invoking its public-law prerogatives. The two proceedings were consolidated in April 2018. On 15 January 2020, the arbitral tribunal issued an interim award...
Under envisaged enforcement procedures for the EU's flagship AI legislation, the European Commission would be empowered to probe thoroughly the internals of general-purpose AI models, including their weights and the hosting infrastructure, and to also examine and alter system-state interactions. The EU AI Act authorises the Commission to run model evaluations to judge whether providers meet their legal duties and to look into potential systemic risks, in particular after a warning from an independent panel of scientific experts. As the sole authority charged with supervising the EU AI Act's provisions for general-purpose AI models ( GPAI), the Commission on 13 March 2026 issued secondary legislation defining the procedural framework for such evaluations and for related infringement proceedings......
Muller UK and Ireland Group LLP and others v HMRC [2026] EWCA Civ 248 The second, third and fourth appellants (the Corporate Members) were part of the Muller multinational corporate group trading in dairy products. In 2013, those appellants moved their respective trades and assets, including intellectual property and goodwill, to the fourth appellant, Muller UK and Ireland Group LLP ( LLP), receiving membership units in the LLP in exchange. The LLP recorded amortisation of the assets and goodwill (the Material Assets) in its accounts on a straight-line basis over five years. When calculating their taxable profits from the LLP for the 2013–18 accounting periods, the Corporate Members claimed deductions for that amortisation under Part 8 of the Corporation Tax Act 2009 ( CTA 2009). HMRC rejected the claims on the footing that the Material Assets did not satisfy the Part 8...
State aid Commission reviews State aid rules for banks in difficulty The Commission has issued a call for input to review the State aid framework for banks in distress, presently made up of six distinct communications, most recently revised in 2013......
The Court of Appeal declined to revive Seyi Omooba's claim against the Curve Theatre in Leicester, central England. The theatre barred her from portraying the lesbian role of Celie following controversy over a 2014 Facebook post in which she described homosexuality as 'sinful'. Justice Sarah Falk dismissed Omooba’s assertion that the 2024 refusal of permission to appeal conflicted with the Co A’s 2025 ruling in Higgs v Farmor’s School [2025] IRLR 368. In that matter, a Christian employee demonstrated she suffered discrimination after losing her job for sharing anti- LGBT social media content. Writing for a panel of three justices, Falk J said there was a 'sharp contrast' between the two cases when examining the 'reason why' each woman encountered unfavourable treatment. By comparison, in Higgs it was firmly established that her protected beliefs were linked to the treatment she received, Falk J...
EU financial services developments EPC updates Verification of Payee scheme rulebook The European Payments Council ( EPC) has released three revisions covering the Verification of Payee ( VOP) scheme rulebook, application programming interface ( API) specifications and the related API security framework, which will apply from 20 September 2026. The VOP scheme sets out rules, procedures and standards for inter- PSP processes across the Single Euro Payments Area ( SEPA), and participants that adhere to the scheme must observe these requirements. Source: Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook Updates EPC publishes annual update of its guidelines on cryptographic algorithms and key management The EPC has issued its annual refresh of the ‘ Guidelines on cryptographic algorithms usage and key management’, providing direction to the EU payments sector on cryptographic algorithms, security protocols, confidentiality and integrity safeguards, and associated key management practices. These guidelines are intended for payment service...
Financial services developments PRA consults on liquidity reforms to improve firms’ ability to monetise assets in times of stress The Prudential Regulation Authority ( PRA) has issued consultation paper CP5/26, entitled Modernising the liquidity policy framework, outlining proposals intended to ensure banks can swiftly convert liquid assets into cash during fast-moving stress scenarios, such as the 2023 collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Responses are requested by 17 June 2026. In remarks on the package, the PRA’s Phil Evans said the targeted and proportionate measures would enhance firms’ capacity to monetise assets and raise operational preparedness. The proposals concentrate on specific Pillar 2 adjustments via the Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment ( ILAA) rules and supervisory expectations. They are designed to reinforce firms’ internal stress testing methodologies and controls, improve readiness to handle future liquidity shocks, and bolster resilience as the Bank of England ( Bo E)’s...
What is the FRG and why does it matter in practice? The FRG operates throughout the Financial Remedies Court at High Court judge, circuit judge, and district judge level. It is specifically designed to be read with the Overall structure of the Financial Remedies Court and the role and function of the lead judge ( March 2026 revision). The FRG is available here: Financial Remedies Guide 2026 (13 March 2026)......
PMI and SPP joint statement In a joint statement on 11 March 2026, the Pensions Management Institute ( PMI) and the Society of Pension Professionals ( SPP) endorsed Pensions Minister Torsten Bell’s announcement that the government will narrow the reach of a disputed proposal. The Pension Schemes Bill, now moving through the House of Lords, contains a standby power enabling ministers to require a defined level of UK investment by pension schemes if voluntary pledges are not honoured. This authority would be retained as a reserve rather than brought into force immediately. Addressing the Pensions UK Investment Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 11 March 2026, Bell said the “only purpose” of the reserve power in the bill is to underpin an agreement struck by the government in May 2025, the Mansion House Accord. The measure would operate solely as a backstop if industry action falls...
What are the practical implications of this case? The ruling carries significant, practical consequences for litigators, insolvency practitioners and participants in construction adjudication. The court confirmed that appointing a provisional liquidator does not of itself vest a company’s assets, so insolvency does not operate as a judicial transfer of claims to the liquidator. In consequence, those relying on assigned claims can be confident the assignment remains valid even if the assignor later enters liquidation, cutting uncertainty over title to sue and discouraging satellite disputes about vesting and assignment mechanics. The decision also reinforces that jurisdictional objections in adjudication must be stated plainly and with specificity. A party cannot shelter behind vague reservations whilst fully engaging in the process. This promotes disciplined dispute management: referring parties should advance precise jurisdictional points at the earliest moment or risk being held to 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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