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19 July 2024
Issue: 8080 / Categories: Legal News , Public , Constitutional law , Human rights
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NLJ this week: Mercer & the politics of the public inquiry

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The worlds of law and politics collide where public inquiries take place

In this week’s NLJ, Nick Wrightson, partner, Kingsley Napley, looks at the legal powers to compel witnesses—and the political realities that surround their use.

Wrightson looks at issues relating to former minister of state for veterans’ affairs Johnny Mercer, who gave evidence to the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan, in which he referred to information received in confidence.

The author also refers to issues surrounding the Covid-19 inquiry, in this topical article. He writes: ‘As public inquiries continue to proliferate, we can expect those conducting them to face more dilemmas over when to compel and when to look for another way to achieve what is required.’ 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

NEWS
The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, and Solicitor General, Andy Slaughter KC MP, marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week by joining lawyers, charities, students and parliamentarians at events celebrating voluntary legal work
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
Possession claims are entering a new digital era, with procedural traps awaiting practitioners who assume familiar rules still govern every step
A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
An indemnity costs battle with a £20m gap could reopen an important question: what weight should an approved budget carry?
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