strategic litigation

Bates Wells advises ONE Campaign on challenging Government’s overseas aid cuts

The charity ONE Campaign has sent a judicial review pre-action protocol letter to the government in relation to its decision to cut spending on overseas aid to 0.3% – a further departure from the statutory target of 0.7% – in order to fund an increase in defence spending. ONE – represented by Bates Wells’ Helen …
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Strategic litigation: Driving change and positive impact. January 2025

Over the past six months there continues to be an appetite to use the tools of strategic litigation to create accountability and address harms. We’re using this roundup to share information about key updates and insights in the area through litigation and policy action. Strategic litigation has had a significant impact on decision-making, policy setting, …
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2024 in review: strategic litigation

In 2024, strategic litigation continued to have an impact on decision making, policy setting and changes in the law. Decisions in a number of high-profile cases are likely to have far reaching implications for governments and organisations over the course of 2025 and beyond. In this blog we discuss several significant judgments and what they …
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The unsung legal heroes fighting back for wildlife

Since coming into power in Westminster, the Labour Party has been single-minded in prioritising economic considerations. Its packed legislative agenda included measures like the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which aims to turbo-charge the delivery of infrastructure, at the expense of anticipated measures such as a proposed Climate and Nature Bill. Meanwhile, much-needed legislation to outlaw …
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Strategic litigation and the water crisis

A few weeks ago, the March for Clean Water swept through London, with thousands demanding action on water pollution. The scale of the crisis is undeniable; only 14% of English rivers are ranked as having “good” or better ecological status, and over 10% of our freshwater and wetland species are threatened with extinction.[1] The Labour …
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Strategic litigation roundtable: the present and the future, the threats and the opportunities

On 6 November 2024, we hosted a group of experts and leaders from charities, campaign groups and funding organisations to discuss the current strategic litigation landscape in the UK and the opportunities (and challenges) it presents for claimants. We reflected on the huge recent successes claimants have had, both domestically and in the international courts. …
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Strategic litigation: how charities can use the law as a force for good

Strategic litigation is an exciting and increasingly important topic and charities are at the forefront. From challenging government policies to highlighting greenwashing, participating in inquiries and supporting others to bring or defend claims, litigation can be a valuable tool in pursuing charitable purposes, raising awareness and driving change. On 24 September 2024, we hosted a …
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Watch again | Strategic litigation: how charities can use the law as a force for good | 24 September 2024

In this webinar, we were joined by Paul Benson (ClientEarth), Jake White (WWF UK), Joss Saunders (Oxfam) and Bonike Bracewell (Save the Children UK) to discuss how charities can use the law to create a widespread positive impact for people and the planet. We discussed how strategic litigation can help charities to achieve their goals, …
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What next for activists in light of the trial of Just Stop Oil M25 protestors?

On 18 July 2024, five protestors (including the co-founder of Just Stop Oil) were convicted of conspiring intentionally to cause a public nuisance, contrary to section 78 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977. These offences related to protests on the M25 across four …
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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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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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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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