Boris Johnson launches Coronavirus public inquiry

Boris Johnson has announced the launch of the coronavirus public inquiry, outlining its terms of reference, following the rising threat of legal action against the Government by bereaved families over extensive delays.   The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group threatened to apply for a judicial review on Sunday, over the failure of the Government…

Volkswagen agrees to pay £193 million to around 91,000 British drivers

Volkswagen will pay £193 million as part of an out-of-court settlement to around 91,000 British drivers over a diesel emissions scandal where 1.2 million vehicles in Britain were fitted with software that cheated diesel emissions tests designed to limit nitrogen oxide car fumes. The Claimants alleged VW deceived people into buying cars that breached emissions…

Jury in the USA rules against Amber heard in defamation suit brought by Johnny Depp

Last week, a jury in the USA ruled against Amber Heard in a defamation suit brought on by Johnny Depp for an article she wrote in The Washington Post about domestic abuse. Depp claimed Heard had defamed him when she described herself as a “public figure representing domestic abuse”. The jury awarded Depp damages of a total of…

Waitrose threatens Asda with legal challenge over ‘Just Essentials’ budget range

According to reports Waitrose has sent a legal letter to Asda after Asda unveiled its new discount product range, called Just Essentials by Asda. Asda will roll out the new range to replace Smart Price over the summer, however, Waitrose says the branding is too similar to its own Essentials range, which was launched in…

Brother and Sister battle in High Court over £100m inheritance

Louise Reeves had been fighting her brother Bill Reeves in the High Court over how their property tycoon father Kevin’s £100m fortune should be distributed. Kevin had previously intended to leave Bill a share worth about £27m, but his final Will in 2014 left him with just a collection of personal possessions worth about £200,000.…

UK fast-tracks Economic Crime Bill to target money-laundering by foreign oligarchs

The BBC has reported that the UK is fast-tracking The Economic Crime Bill to target money-laundering by foreign oligarchs. The Bill will include a new register that will mean foreign owners of UK property must declare and verify their identities with Companies House with the aim to stop overseas criminals and oligarchs from using agents…