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Law firm settles defamation case against Brandon Lewis

Reuters Brandon Lewis walking down Dowing Street carrying a folder under his arm. He is looking at the camera and saying something. He is wearing a suit and tie. Behind him out of focus is a man in police uniform and and another man wearing a suit and carrying a folder. Behind them the black railings and bricks of Downing Street buildings.Reuters
KRW Law sued after an article written by Sir Brandon was published online in June 2022

A Belfast-based law firm has settled its defamation action against former Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis over comments about Troubles legacy legislation.

KRW Law and its partners sued after an article written by Sir Brandon was published online in June 2022.

The opinion piece centred on a controversial Bill tabled by the previous Conservative Government, later enacted as the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

At the time, it offered potential amnesties to individuals suspected of conflict-era crimes, but this section of the act has since been ruled unlawful.

Labour has pledged to repeal and replace the act, which introduced a ban on legacy inquests and new troubles-related civil actions.

KRW Law sued Sir Brandon and the Northern Ireland Office over a reference to the role of specialist law firms in legacy cases.

But it was announced at the High Court in Belfast that both sides have agreed to settle the libel claim.

'Amicable conclusion'

A statement read by Desmond Fahy KC, representing KRW Law, confirmed the case related to a piece written by Sir Brandon in his capacity at the time as secretary of state and published on the Conservative Home website.

“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,” Mr Fahy said.

“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 went on: “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.”