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UK visa and settlement option on the way for Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) citizenship

As has been widely reported recently, the UK government has responded to recent Chinese national security legislation by offering a route for people who hold British National (Overseas) citizenship, or “BN(O)”, to live and work in the UK, with the potential to stay here permanently and obtain full British citizenship in due course.  What is …
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Bearing witness in a global pandemic: virtual Will witnessing

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has announced that the law will be changed to allow Wills to be witnessed virtually for the first time. For charities, it is crucial they understand the changes and how it may affect their legacies. Existing law The existing law about Will making is governed by legislation …
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In Kind Direct – providing life’s essentials and caring for those in crisis

In our regular client focus, we look at the work of In Kind Direct and how they have been caring for our communities. In Kind Direct believes that everyone deserves access to life’s essentials and that no usable product should go to waste. We distribute products that companies have donated – such as toiletries, cleaning …
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Build Back Better: Using COVID-19 to accelerate our response to the ecological crisis

The pandemic has been described as a dress rehearsal for tackling the impacts of climate change. Businesses will need to adapt rapidly and systemically in order to mitigate the anticipated disruption and prevent further harms accumulating in relation to both. As Fiona Reynolds, CEO of the PRI Association, recently wrote: “In dealing with the current …
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BatesCast: symbols, slogans and intellectual property in campaigns

When it comes to campaigning on social justice issues, symbols and flags have always played a key role in spreading the message and raising awareness. The CND peace symbol, the rainbow flag, and the Extinction Rebellion logo are all widely recognised around the world.  In this episode, we’re looking at some of the interesting legal …
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Charities and cybercrime

In recent weeks we have heard much about the threat to the public and private sectors from COVID-19-related cyber-attacks. Charities face the same threat. Alan Bryce, Head of Development, Counter Fraud and Cybercrime at the Charity Commission for England & Wales highlights the commission’s work in this area.
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What does the future UK immigration system look like?

The government has announced some additional details of the proposed Points-Based System to be introduced from 1 January 2021. This adds to the information originally published in February 2020 but does not provide all the answers employers and individuals need as yet.  Further information is expected over the course of the next few months and …
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Trustee decision making

Trustees grappling with the challenges of the coronavirus are being required to make difficult decisions quickly. Sophie Cass explores some of the key principles of good decision making.
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Trust Registration Service: Charitable trusts to be exempt from TRS registration

HMRC and HM Treasury have confirmed that charitable trusts regulated in the UK will not be required to register with HMRC under changes to the Trust Registration Service (TRS). Under the government’s proposed regulations, all charitable trusts in England and Wales that are registered with the Charity Commission, or excepted or exempt from registration, are …
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National press covers Bates Wells’ role in Uber Supreme Court appeal

The national press have featured Bates Wells’ role in the Uber Supreme Court appeal case over the employment status of Uber’s drivers in the UK. Paul Jennings and Rachel Mathieson from our Employment team are representing Mr Farrar and Mr Aslam in the case, both of whom are Uber drivers and Claimants in the case. …
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VAT on electronic publications

The VAT zero rate has finally been extended to electronic publications. Bill Lewis and Susan Shi welcome the news, which they say is long overdue.
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Real Estate opportunities to Build Back Better

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Government enforced lockdown, retailers have begun to re-open and companies are considering what changes need to be made to ensure their employees can safely return to the workplace. Now is a perfect opportunity for businesses to take stock and make long-term changes to help tackle the …
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