Belfast Law Firm and Brandon Lewis Settle Defamation Lawsuit

KRW Law, a legal practice based in Belfast, has concluded its defamation lawsuit against Brandon Lewis, the former Northern Ireland Secretary. The suit concerned remarks he made regarding legislation related to the legacy of the Troubles. KRW Law and its partners initiated legal proceedings following the online publication of an article authored by Sir Brandon in June 2022. The opinion piece focused on a contentious Bill introduced by the preceding Conservative Government, which subsequently became the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. Initially, this legislation proposed potential amnesties for individuals suspected of crimes committed during the conflict, though this specific part of the act has since been declared unlawful. The Labour party has committed to repealing and substituting the act, which established a prohibition on legacy inquests and new civil actions connected to the Troubles. KRW Law initiated legal action against Sir Brandon and the Northern Ireland Office concerning a particular reference to the function of specialist law firms in legacy cases. However, it was declared at the High Court in Belfast that an agreement has been reached between both parties to resolve the libel claim. Desmond Fahy KC, acting on behalf of KRW Law, read a statement confirming that the legal matter pertained to an article authored by Sir Brandon in his then-capacity as secretary of state, which was published on the Conservative Home website. Mr Fahy stated: “The article set out Sir Brandon’s personal opinion and perspective on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill which had recently been introduced into the House of Commons.” The statement continued: “The parties all agree on the vital importance of free speech on matters of important political controversy, in particular by senior politicians such as Sir Brandon who have an important role to play in formulating policy on difficult issues relating to the legacy of the Troubles.” The statement further added: “The parties also all recognise the important role which lawyers, including KRW Law, play in representing victims of The Troubles and their families.“Nothing in the article was intended to cast any doubt on the integrity of KRW Law, its partners or its solicitors.“The parties are pleased therefore that this claim has been drawn to an amicable conclusion.”