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UK Launches Online Platforms Inquiry

On 17 September 2015, the House of Lords EU Internal Market Sub-Committee (“the Committee”) launched an inquiry into the regulation of online platforms in the EU. The Committee intends to gather evidence on the benefits and problems online platforms...




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Business rates: back to reality (Newbigin v Monk [2017] UKSC 14)

The Supreme Court has overturned the Court of Appeal decision and found in favour of the ratepayer in this much-anticipated business rates case involving the rateability of a property which was undergoing substantial renovation. The ratepayer submit...




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UK CMA’s Ping fine appeal may clarify vendor online sales ban law – lawyers

Aysha Fernandes, legal director in Eversheds Sutherland’s Competition, EU & Trade group comments on the ramifications of UK CMA’s Ping fine appeal. This article was written by PaRR, the leading provider of inside track on comp...




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Alstom Transport UK Limited v London Underground Limited: Automatic suspension lifted

On 27 June 2017, the court ordered the lifting of the automatic suspension in the case of Alstom Transport UK Limited v London Underground Limited [2017] EWHC 1521 (TCC). The resulting judgment includes some interesting comments on the correct test ...




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UK: The “Fourth Rail Package” – Significance for the UK Rail Industry?

The Fourth Rail Package, which was introduced between June and December 2016, is a set of six items of EU legislation designed to increase the reliability and competitiveness of European railways in accordance with the EU’s liberalisation agen...




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UK: Regulation of Network Rail: An update on ORR’s PR18 framework consultation, “Overall framework for regulating Network Rail: A PR18 Consultation – July 2017”

What is the purpose of the Consultation? The Office of Rail and Road (the “ORR”) is engaged in the 2018 regulatory review of Network Rail, known as the 2018 Periodic Review or “PR18”. PR18 will determine what Network Rail mus...




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Contestability of the UK Railway Market – An update on the Hansford Review

What is the Hansford Review and what is its purpose? Professor Peter Hansford was commissioned by the Board of Network Rail to chair an independent review of “contestability” in the UK Rail Market, with the intent of “encouraging t...




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UK adopts new EU-driven restrictive measures to deter and respond to external cyber-attacks through financial sanctions

On 17 May 2019, the European Council established a framework and implemented a new sanctions regime which now allows the EU to impose targeted sanctions to “deter and respond to cyber-attacks which constitute an external threat to the EU and i...




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Coronavirus - Returning to the office: back to normal? - UK

This week, the Government intends to set out its “road map” to “unlock the economy” and get people back to work. Therefore, in the not too distant future (hopefully sooner rather than later for the majority), businesses will ...




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UK competition regime set to become stricter and more burdensome for businesses post-Brexit

The UK’s departure from the EU is set to lead to a significant change to the UK’s overall approach to competition law. Currently, the UK is required to retain close alignment with EU competition law, which includes respecting the Europea...




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UK Competition law – Is it fit for the digital economy?

With the rapid growth of the digital economy, a number of competition authorities, as well as governments1 are in the process of assessing whether their competition enforcement tools are fit for the digital economy. In the UK, the Government commiss...




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UK Government loses case relating to Saudi Arabia arms exports

On 20 June 2019, the UK Court of Appeal ruled that the UK Government’s decision to continue licensing exports of military equipment to Saudi Arabia for possible use in the conflict in Yemen was unlawful. The judgment comes amidst global concer...




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Coronavirus - Consumer cancellation and refund guidelines - UK

  On 30 April 2020, the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) released a statement on consumer protection law in relation to cancellations and refund complaints. The coronavirus outbreak has seen a significant increase in consum...




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Coronavirus - Government launches Future Fund for high-growth companies - UK

On 20th April, the UK Government announced a £500m “Future Fund”, as part of its package of measures to support businesses in response to the coronavirus.  What is the Future Fund? The Future Fund is being set up with the aim ...




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Coronavirus - Judicial comment on temporary ban on Statutory Demands and Winding-up Petitions... and opportunism! - UK

In Re Saint Benedict's Land Trust ...




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Coronavirus – What makes debt buy-backs an option right now?- UK

In light of the recent market events, the trading prices of many loans have fallen dramatically. As a result, companies (or their private equity sponsors) may consider utilising the debt buy-back mechanics in their credit agreements. A debt buy-back...




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UK: World’s first sustainable low-carbon greenhouse project

Advising on an innovative first in the renewables heat sector Eversheds Sutherland has advised Oasthouse Ventures on the development of the world’s first sustainable, low-carbon greenhouse projects. The Clean Energy and Sustainability team fro...




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UK: European Commission (Re) Approves GB Capacity Market

The European Commission (“EC”) has now completed its in-depth investigation of Britain’s capacity market scheme (“CM scheme”), which was introduced in 2014 following EU state aid approval to help safeguard security of e...




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Amendments to the UK Gas Transmission Charging Regime

Ofgem:Amendments to Gas Transmission Charging regime-minded to decision and draft impact assessment (published on 23 December 2019) The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the regulator for downstream natural gas markets, has published a ...




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Coronavirus – notification requirements for company reporting – UK

As the situation with the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop in the UK and beyond, there are a few recent developments for UK companies to be aware of. Year end reporting and filing accounts Year end reporting As a reminder, the Financial Report...




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UK, Contracts for Difference: COVID-19 may be eligible for Force Majeure relief, LCCC announces

The Low Carbon Contracts Company (“LCCC”), the counterparty for the UK’s Contracts for Difference (“CFD”) scheme, issued an advice note on 7 April 2020 confirming that COVID-19 is capable of constituting a Force Majeure...




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Over 14,000 coronavirus cases in Ukraine

(MENAFN)The health ministry of Ukraine said that 14,195 total coronavirus cases have been reported in Ukraine on Friday as the number of r... ......




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Being ostracized: Virus leaves its mark for UK's elderly

LONDON (AP) — From resounding applause to ostracization and isolation. That's essentially the journey Lt. Cmdr. Robert Embleton, who served 34 years in Britain's Royal Navy, took by ambulance when discharged from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, southwestern England, on April 8 following his near-month sickness with COVID-19. Arriving at his retirement home, he immediately went into self-isolation with his wife of 55 years, Jean, who has shown no symptoms of the virus. Soon after, Embleton realized he was carrying some new baggage — the stigma of the virus. He even considered buying a bell to warn of his presence. “I was regarded as a sort of leper, a plague carrier. Some people when they...




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UK expected to require 14-day quarantine for those entering country

The U.K. is expected to require incoming airline passengers to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the country due to concerns about the coronavirus, according to local reports. The only passengers who are exempt from the new protocol, expected to...




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Being ostracized: Virus leaves its mark for UK's elderly

Stars and Stripes is making stories on the coronavirus pandemic available free of charge. See other free reports here. Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter here. Please support our journalism with a subscription. LONDON — From resounding applause to ostracization and isolation. That's essentially the journey Lt. Cmdr. Robert Embleton, who served 34 years in Britain's Royal Navy, took by ambulance when discharged from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, southwestern England, on April 8 following his near-month sickness with COVID-19. Arriving at his retirement home, he immediately went into self-isolation with his wife of 55 years, Jean, who has shown no symptoms of the virus. Soon after,...




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UK Education Office Argues Christians Should Limit Their Beliefs to Church

The United Kingdom’s Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) argued before the High Court that Christian groups should not allow their religious beliefs to influence their professional activities. ......




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Germany’s Foreign Minister warns hard Brexit increasingly likely to happen as UK-EU talks stall

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has warned that the risk of a hard Brexit is increasingly likely for the United Kingdom as London has so far made almost no progress in talks with the European Union (EU) on the future trade relationship, criticizing Britain for disregarding the agreed political agreement. In an interview with Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper on Saturday, the German top diplomat expressed his concern amid floundering trade talks between London...




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Being ostracized: Virus leaves its mark for UK’s elderly

LONDON (AP) — From resounding applause to ostracization and isolation. That’s essentially the journey Lt. Cmdr. Robert Embleton, who served 34 years in Britain’s Royal Navy, took by ambulance when discharged from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, southwestern England, on April 8 following his near-month sickness with COVID-19. Arriving at his retirement home, he immediately went into self-isolation with his wife of 55 years, Jean, who has shown no symptoms of the virus. Soon after, Embleton realized he was carrying some new baggage — the stigma of the virus. He even considered buying a bell to warn of his presence. “I was regarded as a sort of leper, a plague carrier. Some people...




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Queen Elizabeth II addresses UK on 75th VE Day

Queen Elizabeth II addressed the UK and Commonwealth on May 8 for the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day that marks the end of World War II in Europe.




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A guide to the current and proposed foreign investment regimes in the UK, Germany, EU, US and China

In recent years there has been a marked change in attitude towards foreign investment screening. A range of jurisdictions globally have taken steps to strengthen their ability to review and actively intervene in transactions. Most recently, the EU p...




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Challenging IT implementations - a UK reminder about the fundamentals for success

Sanderson Limited v Simtom Food Products Limited [2019] EWHC 442 (TCC) Summary Whatever the sector, IT transformation can deliver superior services, development of dynamic business models, increased customer satisfaction, returns and cost savings. ...




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BREXIT – UK REACH – Potential Judicial Review?

Contenders to replace Theresa May as Conservative leader continue to clash over the prospect of a no-deal Brexit and how it could be achieved. In the meantime, the chemicals sector continues to attempt to mitigate the major ramifications it could ha...




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UK: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Delivery Plan for London

Last week, the EV Infrastructure Taskforce (EVIT), which brings together experts from Transport for London and Greater London Authority, announced a new plan to deliver electric vehicle infrastructure for London. This follows engagement with various...




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Eversheds Sutherland has advised Doncasters Group on the sale of its UK Fabrications and Blaenavon Forgings businesses

Eversheds Sutherland has advised Doncasters Group on the sale of its UK Fabrications and Blaenavon Forgings businesses to Arlington Capital Partners as two separate transactions. The deals were led by Corporate partner Richard Kyle with support from...




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Coronavirus - Considerations for property funds - UK

Introduction Given the evolving picture on COVID-19 and its impact on the UK economy there are a number of points which property fund managers should be considering in light of the FCA’s recent statements specifically on the virus and their p...




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Coronavirus - How can fund managers deal with market disruption? - UK

Introduction In the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, and the restrictions imposed to curb its spread, there has been significant market disruption.  As has been seen in some real estate funds, there may therefore be difficulties for fund manag...




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Coronavirus – FCA and PRA guidance on designating key financial workers – UK

In response to Government guidance on maintaining educational provision for the children of key workers, the FCA and PRA have published guidance regarding individuals in th...




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Coronavirus – Finance overview of governmental economic support for industry - UK

Please note that this is a developing situation and we will update this note on a regular basis when further information is available. Across the budget on 11 March 2020 and the subsequent COVID-19 briefing meetings the Chancellor of the Exchequer h...




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Coronavirus – UK Investment Trusts: How to handle AGMs during the COVID-19 pandemic – UK

The restrictive measures on the movement of people to slow the spread of COVID-19 pose specific legal issues for UK Investment Trusts, which are just entering into the reporting and Annual General Meeting (AGM) season.  AGMs have traditionally ...




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Coronavirus - Corporate financing facility - UK

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Coronavirus - FAQs for UK authorized funds - UK

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Coronavirus - Forfeiture, petitions and insolvency reforms - UK

In its response to COVID-19, the UK Government has also been listening to business and seeking to provide further support mechanisms to help those businesses that have been forced to close in the short term. This has included the prohibition on land...




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Coronavirus - FCA proposes temporary financial relief for consumer credit customers - UK

On Thursday 2 April 2020, the FCA issued draft guidance and Handbook changes to address the impact of Covid-19 on consumer credit customers who have credit cards, store cards and catalogue credit, personal loans and overdrafts. There is a short win...




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Coronavirus - Flexibility on SMCR - UK

The FCA and the PRA have issued a joint statement aimed at dual-regulated firms in an attempt to introduce some flexibility in connection with the senior managers and certification regime (SMCR) during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Responding to co...




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Coronavirus - UK Government’s economic assistance packages and their availability to financial services businesses - UK

Background The ongoing coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic has quickly developed into a deep economic crisis of the like never experienced before. Many businesses, including those in the financial services sector, are facing a prolonged period of disrupti...




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Coronavirus - FCA finalises guidance on temporary financial relief for consumer credit customers - UK

On Thursday 9 April, the FCA confirmed measures to support consumer credit customers facing financial difficulty as a result of COVID 19 on personal loans, credit cards and overdrafts. Measures introduced by the new rules became applicable on Tuesda...




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Coronavirus - FCA issues draft temporary guidance for firms on motor finance agreements and coronavirus – UK

  On Friday 17 April 2020, the FCA issued a draft guidance for consultation on temporary forbearance measures to assist motor finance customers facing financial difficulty because of COVID-19. The consultation will close at 5 pm on Monday 20 Ap...




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Coronavirus - FCA issues further draft Covid-19 guidance for Buy-Now Pay-Later and other high cost products - UK

On Friday 17 April the FCA issued draft guidance on Buy-now pay-later (BNPL), rent-to-own (RTO) and pawnbroking. It proposes temporary financial relief for customers impacted by coronavirus and is intended to complement measures finalised on 9 April...




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Coronavirus – ‘Dear CEO’ letter on SME business interruption insurance - UK

After previously setting out its expectations of general insurance firms in relation to their treatment of consumers during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, on 15 April 2020 the UK Financial Regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ...




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Coronavirus - Webinar – Financial services post-COVID19: Trends in disputes and enforcement - UK

Listen as our panel answer some of the most common questions on post-COVID19 litigation trends - this was presented in conjunction with Ankura. A recording of the session can be listened to here. In this session we explored: a review of the economi...