Month: May 2026

‘Children growing up in England and Wales today are doing so in a world that is profoundly different from that of previous generations. Digital technology and social media can pose new risks. Mental health is a growing concern. And the effects of the pandemic, with its impact on education and poverty, are still being felt. Despite these challenges, the majority of our children thrive and do well.’

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Ministry of Justice, 18th May 2026

Source: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

‘Support given to child and adolescent victims of sexual violence in the UK falls well below “bare minimum” standards, a new study has suggested.’

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The Independent, 18th May 2026

Source: www.independent.co.uk

‘We have introduced new guidance on the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In response to the increasing use of AI tools across legal practice, recent cases highlighting risks of misuse and the Ayinde v London Borough of Haringey judgment, the guidance provides a practical framework for barristers to use AI safely while continuing to meet their professional obligations.’

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Bar Standards Board, 18th May 2026

Source: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

‘After months of parliamentary debate, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (‘English Devolution Act’) received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. The Act has important implications for the relationship between central and local government and the long-running ‘English question’ in UK constitutional politics.’

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UK Constitutional Law Association, 19th May 2026

Source: ukconstitutionallaw.org

‘In this episode of LawPod UK, Lucy McCann is joined by Jasper Gold and Paula Kelly of 1 Crown Office Row to explore the concept of consent.

The discussion ranges from philosophical theories of consent to informed consent in medical law after Montgomery, the limits of consent to harm in criminal law, and the role of deception in sexual offences. Along the way, the episode considers broader questions of autonomy, paternalism, and the different functions consent performs across modern law.’

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Law Pod UK, 18th May 2026

Source: audioboom.com

‘On a Crown court visit, rebel MP Charlotte Nichols and bar chair Kirsty Brimelow heard about what’s really ailing criminal justice. It’s not jury trials.’

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Law Society Gazette, 17th May 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

‘Specialist courts to prevent young offenders reoffending will be piloted as part of reforms announced by the government today to ‘overhaul’ youth justice.’

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Law Society Gazette, 18th May 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

‘Antisemitism: On Wednesday [13 May], in the course of the Speech from the Throne at the State Opening of Parliament, His Majesty said: “My Government will take urgent action to tackle antisemitism and ensure all communities feel safe”.’

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Law & Religion UK, 17th May 2026

Source: lawandreligionuk.com

‘Class action law firm Pogust Goodhead (PG) has been ordered to make a £900,000 interim costs payment after a judge found it did not have authority to start proceedings in 2020 on behalf of Brazilian claimants.’

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Legal Futures, 15th May 2026

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

‘A judge has condemned HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for making the “extraordinary allegation” that a law firm would engage in abusive behaviour over listing a hearing.’

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Legal Futures, 18th May 2026

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

‘Following Part 1 where the investigative powers contained within the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (‘the Act’) were examined, Harman Kooner now seeks to delve into the provisions relating to enforcement.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 15th May 2026

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

‘The Court of Appeal has upheld the grant of planning permission for a new household waste and recycling centre in the National Landscape of north Norfolk – more than 10 years after the existing site was found to be no longer fit for purpose. Harriet Townsend KC and Matt Lewin examine the ruling.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 15th May 2026

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

‘The reforms aim to deter young people from a life of crime by placing greater responsibility on parents and carers whose children commit offences or engage in anti-social behaviour.’

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The Independent, 18th May 2026

Source: www.independent.co.uk

‘A “cunning” and “manipulative” former imam in east London has been given a life sentence with a minimum prison term of 20 years for a series of sexual attacks on women and girls as young as 12.’

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BBC News, 14th May 2026

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

‘An ex-BBC producer has avoided a prison sentence after being found guilty of downloading images of child sexual abuse.’

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The Independent, 14th May 2026

Source: www.independent.co.uk

‘A disabled man who was wrongly sacked after being spied on by his bosses said he felt “justice had been done” after his former employer agreed to pay him £329,000 in damages and lost earnings’

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BBC News, 14th May 2026

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

‘The First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) wrongly told a landlord that he could not give evidence by video link from the Czech Republic in a dispute over a financial penalty imposed by Salford City Council.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 14th May 2026

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

‘Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) and the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) have said they are “extremely disappointed” by the absence of provisions on remote meetings and standards reform in the King’s Speech.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 14th May 2026

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

‘Prosecutors have been issued new legal guidance on the use of offensive banners, slogans, chants or symbols to recognise the changing national and international context and increase in hate crime ahead of significant planned protests in London this weekend.’

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Crown Prosecution Service, 15th May 2026

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

‘A new exhibition spotlighting five pioneering Welsh women has opened at the Royal Courts of Justice as part of an ongoing initiative to use the Great Hall as a law-related exhibition space.’

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Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, 14th May 2026

Source: www.judiciary.uk