Scotland is set to become the first country in the world with a minimum price for alcohol sales after the Supreme Court rejected an appeal from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and other drinks manufacturers, who argued that the policy was “disproportionate” and illegal under European law. It brings to a close a five-year legal…
Appeal for the homeless in Manchester Dear All, A friend is running an appeal for the homeless in Manchester again this Christmas. If anyone would like to make a donation then please would you let me have your wrapped shoebox by 21 November. If you are unable to put together a shoebox and would like…
Victims of domestic violence continue to be cross-examined by their abusers in family courts despite the government the then justice secretary, Liz Truss, pledging in February 2017 to ban the “humiliating and appalling” practice, a report by Women’s Aid and Queen Mary University of London has found. Survivors reported they were repeatedly not believed, blamed…
FirstGroup chief executive Tim O’Toole has stepped down with “immediate effect”, after the bus and train operator reported a huge full-year loss. The company said lost £327m in the year to 31 March, compared with a profit of £152.6m last year. The group also runs South Western Railway, the Heathrow Airport Connect service and First…
James Campbell, the only son of his late mother Sarah who was told by his late mother ‘it’s all yours’ is defeding a High Court claim for over half of his inheritance of £725,000 by his mother’s last boyfriend, Andrew Banfield. James Campbell also claims that this mother’s will, drawn up 14 years before her…
Mr Justice Turner threw out the challenge from a claimant in the case of Rashid v Munir & Ors who wanted a share of profits from rental properties run by his brothers after their father’s death. Of the claimant, he stated: ‘I do not believe him on this or indeed any other material matter’. The…
Shares in online grocer Ocado have increased by 47% to 814p after it struck a deal with US retailer Kroger. Ocado’s technology will be used in the US exclusively by Kroger, which is one of the world’s biggest grocery chains with annual sales of $122bn (£90bn). Under the terms of the deal, Kroger will also…
The High Court in the case of Marcura Equities FZE & Anor v Nisomar Ventures Ltd & Anor has ruled that it was not disproportionate for a party to spend up to £450,000 to recover £35,000 because it achieved other, non-monetary relief too. Nicholas Vineall QC, sitting as a deputy High Court judge, said it…
Five Supreme Court judges will decide whether to let Mrs Owens divorce her husband after lower courts decided she was not entitled to one. They will deliver their judgment later this year. Mrs Owen she says she’s been unhappy for many years and she feels locked in a loveless marriage. However, Mr Owens does not…
The Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced plans to help children living with alcoholic parents. The Department of Health and Social Care is seeking to identify children at risk more quickly, and to provide them with rapid access to support and advice. The package of measures is backed by £6 million funding…