An offer you can’t refuse?

Hugh Grant’s decision to settle his action for misuse of private information against NGN has shone a spotlight on the debatable fairness of CPR, Pt 36, says Colin Campbell

Mechanisms built into the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR) which encourage most cases to settle before reaching trial, are rarely a talking point outside the legal profession. In April, however, the actor Hugh Grant drew attention to the ‘rules around civil litigation’ in a lengthy thread posted on the social media platform X, relating to his own case against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the owners of The Sun. By implying that these very rules effectively forced him to settle his case, much against his wishes, Grant has pushed the specific role played by CPR, Pt 36 in civil proceedings to the fore. If someone with his global fame and considerable resources says he is unable to continue his case because of a rule hitherto little known outside legal circles, people sit up and take notice.

Hugh Grant’s interpretation

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

An offer you can’t refuse?

Hugh Grant’s decision to settle his action for misuse of private information against NGN has shone a spotlight on the debatable fairness of CPR, Pt 36, says Colin Campbell

Hugh Grant’s interpretation

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

SourceURL:

Links:

E-newsletter Sign-Up

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Read All

WSP Solicitors—David Ashcroft & Jessica O’Shea

Commercial property and child law teams expand with senior hires

Duxton Hill Chambers—Lucas Bastin KC & Joshua Hiew

Set expands London and Singapore offering with senior international disputes hires

Gilson Gray—Gregor Duthie & Stephen Forsyth

Firm strengthens real estate and litigation teams with partner promotions

NEWS

Read All

NLJ this week: Uber’s legal shield faces scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic

Uber has built a formidable strategy for insulating itself from liability for drivers’ conduct, but the legal terrain differs sharply between the US and England and Wales

NLJ this week: Is it finally time to scrap Part III?

The Civil Justice Council’s review of Part III of the Solicitors Act 1974 could mark the end of what one commentator calls an ‘outdated’ and overly technical regime governing solicitor-client fee disputes

NLJ this week: Hereditary peers era finally comes to an end

The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026 marks a constitutional watershed by severing the centuries-old link between hereditary titles and automatic membership of the upper chamber

NLJ this week: Courts tighten scrutiny of AI and public power

Artificial intelligence, proportionality and public decision-making are under increasing judicial scrutiny, according to the latest public law round-up from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

NLJ this week: Why handshake property deals rarely survive court

Families relying on informal agreements over property ownership could face costly consequences if disputes arise, the High Court has warned

Error message

An offer you can’t refuse?

Hugh Grant’s interpretation

Hugh Grant’s interpretation

MOVERS & SHAKERS

WSP Solicitors—David Ashcroft & Jessica O’Shea

Duxton Hill Chambers—Lucas Bastin KC & Joshua Hiew

Gilson Gray—Gregor Duthie & Stephen Forsyth