Day: 5 May 2026

‘This project examined published reports from journalists and legal bloggers attending private family law proceedings in England and Wales. This pilot analysis explores issues in private and public family law proceedings with a focus on abuse allegations, use of ‘parental alienation,’ the role of journalists in enhancing transparency, and the involvement and impact of Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Services (Cafcass) or experts on contact outcomes. A mixed methods analysis was used to outline overarching themes (Thematic Analysis) positioned alongside percentages and common statistical tests on variable relationships. Initial findings align with existing literature in suggesting there is a theme of abusive fathers alleging ‘parental alienation’ against victim-mothers, a theme of pro-contact culture influencing contact maintenance with abusive parents, a theme of power held by Cafcass and experts in determining contact, and a serious pattern of administrative delays in cases concerning highly vulnerable individuals. Initial recommendations based on preliminary findings, aligned with existing literature, are to prohibit allegations of ‘alienation’ and ensure protections are in place for abuse survivors in the Family Court. A prior recommendation was to repeal the presumption of contact, but the government announced commitment to this change during the course of this work.’

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Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 26th April 2026

Source: www.tandfonline.com

‘On 18 March 2026 the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill became the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026. Following one final vote on the evening of the 10th of March 2026 in the House of Lords , and after having offered additional life peer appointments to Conservative peers, the Labour government has succeeded in finalising both what Tony Blair had started in 1999 with the House of Lords Act 1999, as well as one of its own manifesto pledges (at p. 108) by the end of the first Parliamentary session. With the remaining hereditary peers leaving the House of Lords, the House will be comprised solely of lifetime-appointments when peers and MPs gather for the State Opening of Parliament and the King’s Speech on 13 May.’

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UK Constitutional Law Association, 5th May 2026

Source: ukconstitutionallaw.org

‘Slavery in the UK is at record levels and is expected to worsen over the next decade, the government’s independent anti-slavery commissioner has warned.’

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The Guardian, 5th May 2026

Source: www.theguardian.com

‘The family of a “vulnerable” teenager who took her own life after saying she had been raped at work has called the closure of the police investigation a “huge miscarriage of justice”.’

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BBC News, 5th May 2026

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

‘Bristol City Council v CC & Ors [2026] EWCOP 19 (T3) is both an important and an interesting decision. It is important because Theis J set out a clear set of expectations instructing experts, and interesting because it is an example of what is now a rare beast, a contest as to whether circumstances gave rise to a deprivation of liberty. It also includes what is now an increasingly standard reminder that dividing care and residence decisions can frequently be artificial.’

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Mental Capacity Law and Policy, 2nd May 2026

Source: www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk

‘More than 7,000 Just Eat couriers are taking legal action against the food delivery company in an attempt to gain better employment rights including the minimum wage and holiday pay.’

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The Guardian, 4th May 2026

Source: www.theguardian.com