Petitioners on their 3rd motion asking for an "accelerated timetable,"whatever the outcome today.
Notes again that after 11 weeks the case becomes "academic." #BrexitCase
Andrew Webster QC rises to respond on behalf of the government. #BrexitCase
He says that he opposes an immediate referral to the higher court, says the duty of this court is to provide a report to the higher court. #BrexitCase
Counsel for the government says the petitioners appear to have a "desultory view," of the abilities of this court. #BrexitCase
Adds that he agrees there are only 11 weeks to settle this case, but "you can squeeze a lot into 11 weeks." #BrexitCase
Says the are 3 possible procedures, this one, the Inner House and the Supreme Court, that gives each 3 weeks to consider the case.
Argues this is challenging but achievable. #BrexitCase
Andrew Webster QC, for the Government, moves onto the issue of limiting costs.
He says firstly the court has no information on the likely costs, says there are 75 petitioners, all but one an MP a combined income of £5.5 Million just on their salaries. #BrexitCase
Adds that a look at the Register of Members Interests shows many MPS have other sources of income. They also have a £100,000 fighting fund, achieved via crowdfunding. #BrexitCase
"It is remarkable that petitioners with an income of £5.5M plus a £100k fighting fund are claiming a limit on costs." #BrexitCase
Notes that the test for limiting costs is that the case might not proceed without it, "why have we not heard from the other 74 petitioners?" #BrexitCase
He asks if Jolyon Maugham has indemnified the other petitioners,? Argues the document presented is "opaque."
Notes the legal teams are not working pro bono (for free) #BrexitCase
Says as there is a £100k fighting fund, any limit on expenses should be at least £30k, leaving £70k for the defence legal team "who are working at non-commercial rate."
"Why should the public purse be exposed?" he asks.
Ends #BrexitCase
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Why did the Sun/News of the world hack William and Harry so much?
A thread.
Royal news and gossip was a staple of their output, but their problem was that, in 2006/2010 the younger members of the family, who the public was most interested wouldn't cooperate, as they blamed the press for Diana's death
Their Royal reporters were also mostly middle aged men in suits, they wouldn't exactly blend in at the London nightspots the young set hung out at
Counsel now going over emails sent to the Mail on Sunday to Harry's solicitors asking if they wanted to "comment or guide," them on their planned article.
Counsel, Harry had only made the offer to pay when the judicial review was already in progress.
Says "That's the basis of what the criticism [in the article] was about
Back at court (by video link) for a motions hearing in the case of Prince Harry v Associated Newspapers.
Not sure what I'll be able to report, but will let you all know what I can.