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NLJ this week: Courts clarify the future of UK class actions

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Michael Brown and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper explore how recent rulings are reshaping group litigation in the UK, in this week's issue of NLJ

The High Court’s support for omnibus claim forms in Stuart Angel v Black Horse Ltd streamlines access to justice for thousands of claimants, especially in consumer finance.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal’s decision in AXA Sun Life v HMRC refines the binding nature of group litigation order (GLO) issues, stressing precision and fairness.

In Wirral Council v Indivior, the court reaffirmed its discretion over representative claims, warning against their use for strategic advantage or ‘book-building’. Litigation funders must now justify their involvement with clarity.

The Civil Justice Council’s proposed reforms—including a unified contingent fee regime and light-touch regulation—aim to simplify funding and enhance consumer protection. The authors conclude that while representative claims offer efficiency, flexibility and careful procedural choice remain vital.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
A deputy costs judge correctly exercised his discretion to allow late service rather than strike out the point of dispute, the Court of Appeal has held
Prince Harry, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and five others have lost their case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, in Various Claimants v Associated Newspapers [2026] EWHC 1637 (KB)
Public confidence in the justice system is being undermined by a lack of accessible, useable data, magistrates have warned
The Sentencing Council has launched draft guidelines for facilitation and endangering another person during a sea crossing to the UK
Government proposals to make independent written legal advice a prerequisite for workplace non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) may prove unworkable, according to a senior employment lawyer
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