PRACTICE AREAS

Pro Bono

We continue to work to change the law through running test cases on a pro bono basis.

We recently advised and assisted the global advocacy not-for-profit organisation, Avaaz, to intercede in the recent bid by NewsCorp to merge with BSkyB on the basis that a 60% controlling interest by NewsCorp would have serious impact on media pluralism in the United Kingdom. In the wake of the phone hacking scandal, we worked with leading partners in the area, both to strengthen the proposed undertakings being given by BSkyB, and to establish a legal avenue which would allow the Secretary of State for Media and Sport to review the NewsCorp bid on the grounds of its fitness to hold a licence. We also assisted in drafting a new provision to the Communications Act 2003, to ensure that relevant Ministers will have the power to review fitness to hold a licence should a similar situation arise again.

We act for the British Disabled Flying Association (Aerobility) who teach disabled and chronically ill people to fly. Aerobility seek VAT exemption or to be zero-rated for VAT, for the purposes of purchasing and maintaining their aircraft. The First Tier Tax Tribunal recently gave judgment in favour of Aerobility in our appeal of HMRC’s decision not to grant a tax exemption under existing legislation. The First Tier Tax Tribunal's judgment is open to further appeal from HMRC.