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Health Secretary reviews vaccine compensation law
The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, is exploring reforms to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) following concerns about inadequate support for individuals harmed by Covid vaccines. In a letter to Kate Scott, whose husband suffered permanent brain damage after receiving the AstraZeneca jab, Mr Streeting said he has “commissioned officials to work up a number…
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Scrap recording of non-crime hate incidents, says former Supreme Court judge
Former Supreme Court judge Lord Sumption has called for an end to the recording of non-crime hate incidents by the police. “I would just abolish the whole jurisdiction,” he said. “If they want to make things crimes they should do it, but this kind of intermediate framework of grudge-bearing is just intolerable.” Lord Sumption added:…
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Cabinet remains divided over assisted dying
The debate over assisted dying laws has intensified following comments from Labour peer Charlie Falconer, who stated that Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s religious beliefs should not be imposed on others. Mahmood, the first Muslim Lord Chancellor, expressed her “profound concern” regarding the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, warning that it could lead to…
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The firms behind car loan claims
Claims management companies are facing renewed scrutiny as banks and motor dealers contend with a potential £30bn compensation bill for mis-sold car loans. The Times’ Patrick Hosking notes how some view the sector as opaque, such as Seema Kennedy, head of Fair Civil Justice, who says: “It’s not a regulated activity. There’s no fiduciary duty,…
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Google faces demand to sell Chrome
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has demanded that Google divest its Chrome browser to address its illegal monopoly in the online search market, and if necessary its Android mobile operating system as well. This request follows a ruling by US District Judge Amit Mehta, which confirmed Google’s monopolistic practices. The DoJ’s filing, supported by…
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Covid inquiry costs soar to £208m
The Covid inquiry is projected to cost taxpayers £208m, making it the most expensive investigation in British history. Analysis by the TaxPayers’ Alliance reveals that nearly £150,000 is spent daily, with £37.7m allocated for legal counsel and £557,000 for chairwoman Baroness Hallett. The inquiry, established in June 2022, is expected to continue until 2026, with…
