Matrix Chambers

In the latest episode of Double Jeopardy Podcast, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC discuss the Sentencing Council’s new guidance and the possibility of UK criminal justice heading towards a two-tier sentencing system. They also discuss reports that No. 10 may introduce legislation to limit the influence of the European Convention on Human Rights in immigration cases. Listen here: https://ow.ly/AsIv50VkBm7

Prof. Suzanne Rab to speak at Evolving Issues in Regulation of Digital Platforms: A View from the UK and EU. The US Hudson Institute is hosting this virtual discussion on European Union and United Kingdom competition and regulatory authorities’ increasing focus on digital platforms. Suzanne will be speaking on 7 April at 08:00 a.m. EST (12:00 p.m. BST). Click here for more information and registration details: https://ow.ly/17iz50VkyHZ

The Court of Appeal has reduced the sentences of Just Stop Oil protesters. Their original sentences are understood to be the longest terms of imprisonment imposed on peaceful protestors in modern times. Danny Friedman KC, instructed by Hodge Jones & Allen, acted for Mr Hallam, Ms Whittaker de Abreu, Mr Shaw, Ms Gethin and Ms Lancaster. Robbie Stern, instructed by Hodge Jones & Allen, acted for Ms Lancaster. Rosalind Comyn, instructed by Hodge Jones & Allen, acted for Ms Plummer. Jessica Jones, instructed by Lloyds PR Solicitors, acted for the Intervenors, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace. Read more here: https://ow.ly/6i8050VhtFt

Prof. Philip Leach is participating in the webinar series Legal Responses to Transnational Repression - Learnings from the Assange Case. Organised by Fair Trials, this series of webinars draws learnings from the case of Julian Assange which participants may find helpful for their own legal or NGO practice. The series will be of interest to lawyers and NGOs working on issues of extradition, freedom of speech and transnational repression involving journalists, activists and human rights defenders. Philip will be speaking at the webinar taking place on 27 March at 17:00. Click here for more information & registration details: https://ow.ly/KmwS50Vh5HM

In the latest episode of Double Jeopardy Podcast, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by Jake Richards MP to discuss The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. They consider the legislative process, from the intricacies of the committee stage to the broader implications of the private members' bill system. The discussion also focuses on the historical evolution of social change, counter arguments, and the critical safeguards built into the bill. Listen here: https://ow.ly/KtWW50Vgi1B

The Competition Appeal Tribunal has delivered its judgment on Professor Carolyn Roberts’ applications to bring competition claims against six water companies. The claims alleged that the companies misreported sewage spills to the Environment Agency and Ofwat leading to customers being charged higher prices. Lucinda Cunningham, instructed by RPC, represented Professor Roberts at the certification hearing. Rhodri Thompson KC and Christopher Brown are also instructed by Professor Roberts in these proceedings. Read more: https://ow.ly/AyAV50VfVXX

In the latest episode of 'A Common Concern: The Climate Justice Podcast' Kate Cook discusses workers’ rights and climate change with Kalina Arabadjieva of the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI). From the principles and standards of the International Labour Organisation to the provisions of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, from the rules of the EU Green Deal to the three pillars of the Aarhus Convention, there are many points of intersection between international labour law and climate law. Kate and Kalina discuss the potential for mutual reinforcement in relation to the protection of workers both from the direct impacts of climate change, including heat stress, and in relation to securing a just transition for the workforce in the context of decarbonization. Is closer integration between workers’ rights and climate law a key way to secure climate justice in the face of colossal challenges across the world? Listen here: https://ow.ly/62rO50VftCw

In JR123, the Supreme Court has concluded that the Northern Irish system for rehabilitation of offenders is compatible with the appellant’s right to respect for private and family life under article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Hugh Southey KC led Steven McQuitty KC instructed by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. This was Hugh Southey KC’s 30th case as a leader in the Supreme Court. Click here for more: https://ow.ly/tQVu50VeHlo

In celebration of LGBT+ History Month, we have created a resource highlighting landmark LGBT+ cases from the past 25 years. This resource forms part of a series that outlines the most significant milestones in recent LGBT+ legal history. Click here to read the timeline: https://ow.ly/HIAE50VcOJw

In HKSAR v So Tsun Fung [2025] HKCFI 916, the High Court of Hong Kong ruled that publicly advocating for an election boycott during the election period constitutes an act that disrupts, manipulates, or otherwise affects the election process. As a result, the court upheld the constitutionality of a 2021 law that criminalises “inciting another person not to vote or to cast an invalid vote through public activity during the election period.” The court found that the law does not unconstitutionally infringe upon the rights to freedom of expression and equality, as guaranteed by the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. Carter Chim represented So Tsun Fung. Read more here: https://ow.ly/6aOe50VczNj