Latest news with #TomCameron
Business Mayor
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Russian litigants flood back to London courts
Russian litigants have returned to London's commercial courts in force despite the imposition of sanctions, partly because it has become easier for them to 'lawyer up'. That is according to the Commercial Courts Report 2025, the latest annual snapshot of the sector produced by legal communications company Portland. The number of Russian litigants more than doubled to 60 in the year to March 2025, a new record. Eighty percent had legal presentation, up from just 30% in 2024. Charles Enderby Smith and Tom Cameron, partners at Carter-Ruck, note in commentary that it has become easier for Russian litigants to access legal representation in the UK even where sanctioned – as many of the 60 are. They also cite an October 2024 rise in the cap on legal fees payable by sanctioned entities (from £500,000 to £2m), 'permitting more heavyweight disputes to be properly litigated'. Other factors mentioned include the high number of high-value disputes arising from the sanctions themselves – such as where one party claims the performance of a contract is prohibited. In 2024-25 some 93 nationalities were represented across judgments before the courts, another new record. There were also more Emirati litigants than ever before (68), with UAE v UAE one of the most frequent matchups. One potential factor underlying that increase was a UAE Ministry of Justice circular from 2022 stating that English judgments could in principle be enforced in the Gul country. In 2024 the Dubai Court of Cassation duly enforced an English judgment. Overall, litigants from outside the UK and EU27 rose to an all-time high of 45.5% in 2024-25, while the total number of litigants climbed to 1,368, up 12% year on year. The court's output, however, remained steady, suggesting that the rise is due to complex, multi-party litigation. Less positively for London, Singapore fell from 5th to 23rd in the ranking of overseas nationalities. This fall 'could be due to the success of the Singapore International Commercial Court, as it continues to position itself as an international dispute resolution hub', the report notes. Also highlighted this year are public attitudes towards the role of AI in the legal system, exposing a gulf in perception between lawyers and the general public. Only 13% of the public thought AI should be used for decision-making support or judgment recommendations – a figure which more than doubled to 31% among those working in any legal profession. Simon Pugh, partner and head of Portland's litigation and disputes practice, said: 'The international pull of the London commercial courts confirms that, amidst global uncertainty in the rule of law, London has cemented its reputation as trusted centre for commercial dispute resolution.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cameron relishing Whalley's start to the new T20 season
Whalley's new captain Tom Cameron believes enjoyment is the key to success in T20 cricket as the start of the Birtwistle Cup approaches, writes Graham Hardcastle. The Anthony Axford North West Cricket League's 20-over competition - won last year by Lostock - begins across the next two Fridays, with 25 teams spilt across four groups. Conference sides Barrowford, Feniscowles and Foulridge will join the 22 teams in the Premiership and Championship as they bid to make it through to Finals Day on July 20. The top two sides in each group qualifies for the quarter-finals. Whalley finished top of Group Two North last season, winning three of five matches. Under wicketkeeper Cameron's leadership, they reached Finals Day at Lostock, but were beaten in the semi-final by Blackrod. Cameron has since taken over full-time from Frankie Jackson. 'It's just a confidence game, really,' said Cameron of T20. 'We were struggling in a league a bit last year, but everyone could almost free themselves up a bit in the T20s, and I think everyone was more confident and just enjoyed it more. 'We strung a few results together and carried it through. 'Hopefully we can do that again this year. I want everyone to express themselves, and hopefully that gives us that bit of momentum.' Whalley are in Group Two North again this year. They are placed alongside Barrowford, Baxenden, Cherry Tree, Feniscowles, Oswaldtwistle Immanuel and Salesbury. They begin their campaign tomorrow night away at Baxenden (6pm). Cameron believes Whalley, who have lost two and won one in the Championship so far this season, are a stronger proposition than last year, including being sharper in the field. That's partly due to a new overseas Australian batter Luke Reynolds, added to domestic signings Jamie Pilling (opening batter) and Josh Dentith (spinner). All-rounder Levi Wolfenden remains as professional. 'I'd say we've added experience more than anything,' said Cameron. Whalley's group is a particularly interesting one given it includes two Conference sides in Barrowford and Feniscowles. The former reached last year's quarter-finals, while the latter won the last ever Ribblesdale League T20 title in 2022. 'It's a very interesting group, obviously, because of that,' Cameron continued. 'They're a bit wild cards, like we saw with Barrowford last year. They could almost have any sub professional, really. 'But we're positive and hopeful that if we play like we did last year, we can get out of that group.' Cameron is a 20-year-old who is a Whalley lad through and through. He captained the club in junior cricket and started playing first-team cricket at the age of '13 or 14'. 'Just doing the T20s last year, I almost did the fun bit,' he said. 'But I'm definitely enjoying doing it full-time so far. I've got loads of senior players around me like Richard Palmer and Levi, who has been with us for three or four years as pro.' So being one of Whalley's own, what would it mean to Cameron if they were to go a couple of steps further than last year's semi-final finish and win the Birtwistle Cup? 'That would be really nice, yeah,' he added. 'It would definitely mean a lot, and there's no reason why we can't.' n Tomorrow's fixtures: Group Two North - Baxenden v Whalley, Cherry Tree v Barrowford, Oswaldtwistle Immanuel v Salesbury.
Telegraph
12-02-2025
- Telegraph
Stop guerrilla rewilding, say Scottish gamekeepers after feral pigs released
A gamekeeping body has pleaded with authorities to stop 'guerrilla rewilding' from becoming the norm On Wednesday, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) said its staff were still trying to contain and humanely trap the animals. The FLS said it would take advice from NatureScot and Police Scotland on what to do with them, and added they must be contained for their own welfare, and also due to the risk of spreading diseases through the park. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) described the release as a 'selfish and thoughtless act' that It came after four lynx were illegally released in the park last month, one of which died shortly after they were captured. The SGA said the release of the pigs appeared to be a form of 'guerrilla rewilding' by people 'frustrated' at official reintroduction processes. 'Rewilding is becoming popularised as a concept, and there's a lot of organisations pushing the rewilding mantra,' they said. 'It would appear that this is more a form of guerrilla rewilding. 'Perhaps people or devotees within that movement are becoming frustrated at the standard stakeholder processes which must happen around any reintroduction of species.' Farmers should get a say The process, they explained, included 'negotiation with the people on the ground that will be most impacted' by any reintroduction such as farmers and local communities. 'It's the people who have to deal with the consequences of that, they should ultimately have the final sign-off, because they have got to live with it every day,' he said. 'If that process is not followed, then the authorities have to act decisively to ensure that this type of guerrilla rewilding does not take hold in Scotland as the norm'. They added that the Scottish Government had 'emboldened' people to reintroduce species illegally when they took no action after the illegal release of beavers as early as 2001. The SGA said the government's decision to protect the animals, alongside those reintroduced in an official trial in 2009, set 'a tone and a precedent' for this kind of action. The organisation said that it is not known whether there is any connection between the release of the pigs and the lynx, though it is a possibility. On Tuesday, Tom Cameron, the FLS north region area wildlife manager, said: 'FLS staff have located the pigs and are now working to contain them. 'As we work to do this, we are asking anyone not involved with the operation to stay away from the area so trained staff can do their job and the animals are not unduly stressed or startled. 'From their behaviour, it is apparent that these are domesticated pigs and the hope is we can live trap the group using a corral trapping system. 'Once caught, FLS will take advice from NatureScot and Police Scotland on what to do with them.' He added: 'It is important to contain the pigs. This is for their own welfare and because we don't know their origin or whether there is the potential for them to spread any disease across domesticated livestock in the area.' Police Scotland said it is aware of the incident, but is not actively involved at this stage. On Monday, the park authority said on Facebook: 'The park authority condemns any illegal release of animals in the strongest possible terms.' Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), which supports rural businesses, has condemned the 'reckless' release of the pigs, and encouraged anyone with information to contact police. The Scottish Government has been asked for comment.
The Independent
12-02-2025
- The Independent
Call for ‘decisive action' against guerrilla rewilding as pigs remain at large
A gamekeeping body has said authorities should 'act decisively' to prevent 'guerrilla rewilding' from becoming the norm after a group of pigs were illegally released in the Cairngorms. The animals, which were released in the Uath Lochans area of the Cairngorms National Park on Monday, have now been located. On Wednesday, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) said its staff were still trying to contain and humanely trap the animals. The FLS said they would take advice from NatureScot and Police Scotland on what to do with them, and added they must be contained for their own welfare, and also due to the risk of spreading diseases through the park. the authorities have to act decisively to ensure that this type of guerrilla rewilding does not take hold in Scotland as the norm Scottish Gamekeepers Association On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) described the release as a 'selfish and thoughtless act' that jeopardised the welfare of the animals, as well as posing a risk both to livestock and to the public. It came after four lynx were illegally released in the park last month, one of which died shortly after they were captured. The SGA said the release of the pigs appeared to be a form of 'guerrilla rewilding' by people 'frustrated' at official reintroduction processes. 'Rewilding is becoming popularised as a concept, and there's a lot of organisations pushing the rewilding mantra,' they said. 'It would appear that this is more a form of guerrilla rewilding. 'Perhaps people or devotees within that movement are becoming frustrated at the standard stakeholder processes which must happen around any reintroduction of species.' The process, they explained, included 'negotiation with the people on the ground that will be most impacted' by any reintroduction – such as farmers and local communities. 'It's the people who have to deal with the consequences of that, they should ultimately have the final sign-off, because they have got to live with it every day,' he said. 'If that process is not followed, then the authorities have to act decisively to ensure that this type of guerrilla rewilding does not take hold in Scotland as the norm'. They added that the Scottish Government had 'emboldened' people to reintroduce species illegally when they took no action following the illegal release of beavers as early as 2001. The SGA said the government's decision to instead protect the animals, alongside those reintroduced in an official trial in 2009, set 'a tone and a precedent' for this kind of action. The organisation said that it is not known whether there is any connection between the release of the pigs and the lynx, though it is a possibility. On Tuesday, FLS north region area wildlife manager Tom Cameron said: 'FLS staff have located the pigs and are now working to contain them. 'As we work to do this, we are asking anyone not involved with the operation to stay away from the area so trained staff can do their job and the animals are not unduly stressed or startled. 'From their behaviour, it is apparent that these are domesticated pigs and the hope is we can live trap the group using a corral trapping system. 'Once caught, FLS will take advice from NatureScot and Police Scotland on what to do with them.' He added: 'It is important to contain the pigs. This is for their own welfare and because we don't know their origin or whether there is the potential for them to spread any disease across domesticated livestock in the area.' Police Scotland said it is aware of the incident, but is not actively involved at this stage. On Monday, the park authority said on Facebook: 'We are aware that feral pigs have been spotted in an area of the Cairngorms National Park near Uath Lochans. 'The park authority is working closely with partners: including NatureScot and FLS; to ascertain the full facts on the ground and FLS is currently attempting to trap the animals. 'The animals appear to be relatively domesticated and it is likely that this is an illegal release. 'The park authority condemns any illegal release of animals in the strongest possible terms.' Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), which supports rural businesses, has condemned the 'reckless' release of the pigs, and encouraged anyone with information to contact police. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The illegal release of any animal poses a serious risk to their welfare, as well as impacting farmers, land owners, and surrounding communities. 'The Scottish Government will not be reintroducing any large carnivorous species in Scotland.'
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Stop guerrilla rewilding, say Scottish gamekeepers after feral pigs released
A gamekeeping body has pleaded with authorities to stop 'guerrilla rewilding' from becoming the norm after a group of pigs were illegally released in the Cairngorms. The animals, which were released in the Uath Lochans area of the Cairngorms National Park on Monday, have been located. On Wednesday, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) said its staff were still trying to contain and humanely trap the animals. The FLS said it would take advice from NatureScot and Police Scotland on what to do with them, and added they must be contained for their own welfare, and also due to the risk of spreading diseases through the park. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) described the release as a 'selfish and thoughtless act' that jeopardised the welfare of the animals, as well as posing a risk to livestock and to the public. It came after four lynx were illegally released in the park last month, one of which died shortly after they were captured. Credit: RZSS The SGA said the release of the pigs appeared to be a form of 'guerrilla rewilding' by people 'frustrated' at official reintroduction processes. 'Rewilding is becoming popularised as a concept, and there's a lot of organisations pushing the rewilding mantra,' they said. 'It would appear that this is more a form of guerrilla rewilding. 'Perhaps people or devotees within that movement are becoming frustrated at the standard stakeholder processes which must happen around any reintroduction of species.' The process, they explained, included 'negotiation with the people on the ground that will be most impacted' by any reintroduction such as farmers and local communities. 'It's the people who have to deal with the consequences of that, they should ultimately have the final sign-off, because they have got to live with it every day,' he said. 'If that process is not followed, then the authorities have to act decisively to ensure that this type of guerrilla rewilding does not take hold in Scotland as the norm'. They added that the Scottish Government had 'emboldened' people to reintroduce species illegally when they took no action after the illegal release of beavers as early as 2001. The SGA said the government's decision to protect the animals, alongside those reintroduced in an official trial in 2009, set 'a tone and a precedent' for this kind of action. The organisation said that it is not known whether there is any connection between the release of the pigs and the lynx, though it is a possibility. On Tuesday, Tom Cameron, the FLS north region area wildlife manager, said: 'FLS staff have located the pigs and are now working to contain them. 'As we work to do this, we are asking anyone not involved with the operation to stay away from the area so trained staff can do their job and the animals are not unduly stressed or startled. 'From their behaviour, it is apparent that these are domesticated pigs and the hope is we can live trap the group using a corral trapping system. 'Once caught, FLS will take advice from NatureScot and Police Scotland on what to do with them.' He added: 'It is important to contain the pigs. This is for their own welfare and because we don't know their origin or whether there is the potential for them to spread any disease across domesticated livestock in the area.' Police Scotland said it is aware of the incident, but is not actively involved at this stage. On Monday, the park authority said on Facebook: 'The park authority condemns any illegal release of animals in the strongest possible terms.' Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), which supports rural businesses, has condemned the 'reckless' release of the pigs, and encouraged anyone with information to contact police. The Scottish Government has been asked for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
