Courts face a backlog of more than half a million criminal cases as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, official estimates show. The number of cases waiting to be heard by magistrates shot up 22% between the week ending March 8 and May 17 to around 484,000, according to provisional data published by the Ministry […]
Face coverings on public transport – and for hospital staff, outpatients and visitors – will be compulsory in England from today. More than 3,000 extra staff including police officers are being deployed at stations to make sure people comply. Passengers without a covering will be asked to wear one, or will face being refused onboard […]
A bill introducing “no-fault” divorces in England and Wales has been backed by MPs. It passed its first hurdle in the Commons by 231 votes to 16 against, following a debate. How to get a divorce Currently, in order to start divorce proceedings immediately, one spouse has to allege adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion has […]
HM Courts & Tribunals Service is reopening another 16 courts this week after they were deemed to be suitable for holding socially-distanced hearings. Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland QC said the latest development will give people confidence justice can continue to be done safely. Approximatley 160 Courts have remained open during the Coronavirus Pandemic. In the […]
New rules requiring all people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days have come into effect. Travellers arriving in the UK by plane, ferry or train now have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival or risk being prosecuted and fined if they do not comply. Surprise visits will be used to check […]
Despite the Coronavirus Pandemic, our lawyers are still providing 24/7 legal advice and representation. Although our offices are closed to the public, we are able to arrange appointments for new and existing clients by Skype, Microsoft Teams, Facetime and Facebook Messenger. The Courts are operating at an extremely reduced capacity with most hearings being adjourned and […]
Solidarity protests against the death of George Floyd in the US are continuing to take place in the UK – but are they actually legal given the coronavirus lockdown? What do the lockdown laws say about protests? England now has the loosest lockdown in the UK, with no restrictions on going outside. But the rules […]
Police in England can order people to leave a property if they are breaking new coronavirus laws – but do not have powers to forcibly remove them. It is now a crime to stay at someone else’s home overnight, or to hold gatherings of two or more people indoors or more than six people outdoors, […]
The lockdown rules have changed across all parts of the UK – with the most relaxed regime now operational in England.
Lockdown restrictions are gradually being eased across the UK, but the rules are different in each of the four nations. So, what sports can you play and who can you meet?