No Mitchell appeal

Atkins Thomson, solicitors for Andrew Mitchell MP, have ruled out appealing the controversial costs decision in the “plebgate” case to the Supreme Court. They were refused relief from sanctions for failing to file their costs budget on time, in a landmark ruling on the Jackson reforms. Graham Atkins, partner at the firm, says: “Much as we would want to appeal this decision, the consensus is that the Supreme Court would not involve itself in matters of civil procedure. The only silver lining is that there has been huge support across both arms of the profession who almost unanimously view it as a hugely unfair and unwarranted judgment. The effect it will have on litigation will be widespread and will undo much of the progress made since the Woolf reforms.”