Overview
- Judges David Cook and Nicklin ruled on how the claimants must share “common” legal costs and approved limited adjustments to previously capped budgets.
- The court earlier found projected spending of more than £38.8 million disproportionate, leaving approved budgets at about £4.1 million for the claimants and £4.5 million for ANL.
- Legal fees have reached substantial levels in the millions, with further increases expected as preparations intensify before proceedings begin.
- The claimants allege unlawful information-gathering by ANL, including the use of private investigators, deception to obtain records, and access to confidential calls, allegations the publisher rejects as “simply preposterous.”
- The judges highlighted insurance risks: a £14.1 million group policy and £2.35 million per person in ATE cover may leave losers exposed if outcomes differ, and a preliminary hearing is set for December 18 before a mid‑January trial.