Hi folks,

Apologies for the late update; John and I are still recovering from the journey to and from the centre of London. We are both feeling very old this evening!

John played a blinder getting us to the court in good time; better still safely negotiating the numerous delivery riders that all seemed intent on becoming a bonnet ornament.

We were greeted in court by the news that NARPO and the three claimants bringing the appeal, would be represented by Professor Gearty KC, as their barrister from the Judicial Review had been taken ill during the night.

Not an ideal situation, but Professor Gearty has had dealings with the case and soldiered on with gusto. 

Here is NARPO’s latest update from their website.

“The Appeal against the original decision of Mr Justice Fordham was heard by the Court of Appeal on Wednesday 30th November.

The Appeal hearing was streamed live, via the Court of Appeal’s Website and YouTube. 

The appeal was heard by two Lord Justices and a Lady Justice of Appeal, Lady Justice Asplin, Lord Justice Peter Jackson and Lord Justice Bean.

NARPO and the three claimants bringing the appeal, were represented in Court by Professor Conor Gearty KC. At the end of the Hearing, Lord Justice Bean informed the parties present in Court and the public, because of the importance of the issues in the appeal, the Court would not be formally delivering their Judgement. Instead, Judgement has been reserved.”

When the Court have written their Judgement, they will distribute a draft to the legal parties. The legal parties will have time to consider and reflect on the Judgement. At the appropriate time, the Court will then give a date for when the Judgment will be formally handed down and at that stage, available to the public.

However, we cannot give any estimate as to when the Judgement is likely to be handed down. Our hope would be that the Justices of Appeal are able to prepare their written decision before Christmas. However, in the circumstances, and no doubt particularly having regard to all of the other commitments placed on the Justices, it is more likely that Judgement will be handed down in this appeal, sometime in January 2023.”

As soon as I receive any further information, I shall of course update you as soon as humanly possible.

In the meantime, I would like to wish you all the Christmas time that you desire and a New Year that treats you kindly.

Best wishes as always,

Cathryn

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CathrynHall11@gmail.com