Katie Hancock

High Court shows willingness to accept jurisdiction in absence of legal assistance access

A recent High Court of England and Wales ruling once again demonstrates the English courts’ willingness to accept jurisdiction in the face of arguments that a party would be unable to access appropriate legal assistance in their own countries, an expert has said.

US Apple mass claim comes as EU moves to tighten PFAS rules

Businesses operating in Europe have been warned that they should ensure they understand the profiles of chemicals used in their supply chains, amid a growing body of litigation internationally and a tightening of regulations relating to the use of so-called ‘forever chemicals’ in product manufacturing.

Dyson to face human rights abuse claims in the UK

Judges have ruled that claims made by a group of workers in a Malaysian factory that formed part of Dyson UK’s supply chain should be heard before the courts in England and Wales and not Malaysia.

Court of Appeal ruling addresses pleading specificity issue in Nigerian oil spill case

A recent English Court of Appeal ruling has cleared the way for a full trial of a long-running environmental class action against Shell brought by two Nigerian communities.

Judicial review case may push forward new rules for testing ‘forever chemicals’ in sludge

England’s Environment Agency (EA) was not at fault for the delay in introducing rules on testing sludge for long-lasting harmful chemicals before it is used as fertiliser, according to a recent judicial review – but the case may spur UK ministers to prioritise the issue, a legal expert has said.

EU aims to phase out most harmful ‘forever chemicals’ in consumer products

The European Commission has clarified the criteria and principles for the ‘essential use’ concept in EU legislation dealing with chemicals, which could see the single market phase out the most harmful chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – the so-called ‘forever chemicals’ – from non-essential uses, such as use in consumer products.

Businesses to face tightened ‘forever chemicals’ regulations in the UK

Businesses across sectors and their directors should be aware of upcoming changes to the UK’s key regulations restricting the production, sale and use of certain long-lasting harmful chemicals, known as persistent organic chemicals (POPs), as violation can lead to strict liability, a legal expert has said.

Ruling sheds light on energy supplier and broker liability for ‘secret’ commissions

A new ruling has confirmed that there are only limited circumstances in which British energy suppliers could be held liable for any failings by a broker to meet duties it owes customers pertaining to commission arrangements, experts have said.