Applications such as that for access to Prince Charles’ “black spider memos” would be “doomed to failure” if they were to be made in future, according to Mark Elliott, Reader in Public Law, Cambridge University, since “s 37 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 was amended in 2010 so as to render communications with the heir to the throne absolutely exempt from disclosure”. The Supreme Court ruled 5-2 last week in Evans v Attorney General [2015] UKSC 21 that Prince Charles’ letters to government departments can be disclosed under the Act.
02 April 2015
Black spider memos
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Maguire Family Law—Jennifer Hudec, Ciara Florey, Alice Ferguson & Ruth Wynn
Maguire Family Law announces partner promotion and new hires amid a record year for enquiries
Switalskis—Rebecca Parry & Hannah Gamble
Switalskis wills and probate team extends reach with two appointments
Withers—Sophie Barrett-Brown
Withers drives further growth in its UK immigration team with new partner Sophie Barrett-Brown
NEWS
Restrictions on workplace non-disclosure agreements could make settlements slower, more complex and more expensive when reforms expected in 2027 take effect
Private prosecutors face closer scrutiny under Crown Prosecution Service guidance designed to strengthen accountability and consistency when intervention is requested
Foreign states cannot necessarily claim immunity for cyber operations launched abroad against computers in Britain, following a divided Supreme Court ruling
Defendants who make unsupported complaints about their lawyers risk losing legal aid while confiscation proceedings continue without representation
Lawyers advising Russian clients face different sanctions restrictions across the UK, EU and US, despite their shared objective of increasing pressure on Russia
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