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Search and imaging orders: changes on the horizon

A new model form search and imaging order is expected to be introduced in the coming months. Experienced Supervising Solicitors Rob Oakley and Alex de Jongh look at how imaging orders work in practice, and consider what the future may hold. Counterfeit goods, fake passports, precious metals, weapons and illegal drugs: some of the more …
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Landmark climate judgment: R (Finch on behalf of the Weald Action Group & Others) v. Surrey County Council (& Others)

A recent judgment by the Supreme Court has been hailed as groundbreaking by climate campaigners, fighting for recognition of the true environmental impacts of fossil fuel projects in the UK. The much-awaited decision held that the decision of Surrey County Council (the “Council”) to grant planning permission for an oil production project was unlawful. This …
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Watch again | Balancing responsibility & innovation – How can we develop and implement ethical AI? | 4 July

A recent explosion in innovation has meant AI has become more popular and powerful. AI and automated decision-making, especially in the context of work and people, carries substantial risks and has the potential for unfairness and discrimination. This is particularly true where decision-making processes lack transparency and fairness. We hosted a panel discussion on Thursday …
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Strategic litigation: driving change and positive impact – July 2024 roundup

Welcome to our strategic litigation roundup, a place for us to share information with you about key updates and insights in the area of strategic litigation. Our litigation and public & regulatory teams have been keeping on top of developments in this space and continue to explore ways to challenge norms through litigation and policy …
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Realise your purpose: Increasing gender diversity in the workforce

Realise Your Purpose is a Bates Wells campaign to help commercial organisations consider, decide on and implement their ESG goals. From governance to people, and from contracts to real estate, this series will provide insight and guidance for business leaders and senior decision makers on the first steps in their sustainability journey.   Currently in the …
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Navigating the tension: the dynamics of pre-election periods

In the pursuit of free and fair elections, the practise of observing a period of ‘pre-election sensitivity’ (previously known as ‘purdah’) has long been respected by government ministers, central government officials and civil servants. Beyond government and civil servants, other organisations are also often alive to the risk of appearing to be politically biased during …
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Speaking up, speaking out! – Developing corporate advocacy strategy for purpose-driven businesses

In this pivotal global election year, many businesses may be considering the policies and regulations that a future government could bring, and how the business might influence those developments. For purpose-driven businesses, driving positive change is often embedded into the constitution. We seek to address social and environmental injustice and to support economic systems that …
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Investigations and disclosure of sensitive communications

Investigations often take place where there is an allegation of wrongdoing. They are a crucial process, enabling organisations to establish facts, identify problems, and determine how best to proceed. Carrying out a thorough and fair investigation can enhance an organisation’s credibility and lead to the introduction of new and improved arrangements to help prevent incidents …
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Election campaigning: when the political is personal

“I don’t have to win”, Maurice Saatchi supposedly once said, “I just have to make you lose”. In political advertising, this attitude shows no sign of going out of fashion. Ads attacking political parties and their leaders are commonplace, and in the heat of battle the pleas of the Committee on Standards in Public Life …
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Lessons learned from the judgment on the Michaela School’s “prayer ban”

The Michaela Community Schools Trust has successfully defended its decision to ban prayer rituals for all its pupils as lawful in the High Court. Following this high-profile judgment, the Bates Wells’ Public Law team reflect on the wider implications of the case for pupils, parents and schools. Background R (TTT) v Michaela Community Schools Trust …
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Turbulence ahead: 20 airlines targeted by EU over greenwashing

“If we want responsible consumers, we need to provide them with accurate information … They deserve accurate and scientific answers, not vague or false claims,” EU Commissioner for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourova In their first major coordinated anti-greenwashing enforcement action, the European Commission and EU consumer authorities, prompted by a complaint from the European …
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Assessing the Impact: The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

On 24 May 2024, the Council of the EU has formally adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The directive, which will impose mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence as well as transition plan requirements on companies in scope, has therefore likely cleared its last major hurdle. This marks a big win for …
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