Tughans Solicitors

Northern Ireland’s Nature Recovery Strategy: The future of biodiversity net gain and the biodiversity duty

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)‘s consultation on its draft Nature Recovery Strategy for Northern Ireland marks a significant moment for environmental policy. Stretching to 2032, the Strategy sets out how Northern Ireland intends to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.   Strategic objectives Under the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland)... Read More

The UK’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing landscape – where next for legal and accountancy firms?

The recently published HM Treasury Supervision Report (2024–25) offers an interesting insight and sets out a new direction for the UK’s anti-money laundering (“AML”) and counter-terrorist financing (“CTF”) landscape.   The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) is poised to become the single AML/CTF supervisor for professional services, replacing the current system of Professional Body Supervisors (“PBSs“)... Read More

The High Court reinforces timelines in civil litigation

Homes of Heritage Ltd v Cunningham & Ors IEHC 724 In a significant procedural ruling applying the Supreme Court’s reformulation of the law on delay in civil litigation in Ireland, the High Court has dismissed a long-running claim for want of prosecution in Homes of Heritage Ltd v Cunningham & Ors. The decision highlights... Read More

Employment Rights Act 2026: Key changes to look out for

The Employment Rights Act (ERA) received Royal Assent and became law on 18 December 2025, introducing a broad range of changes to existing employment laws in UK which will come into force over the next two years. A summary of the key changes and their impact on employers is outlined here.   What’s changing? The ERA... Read More

Data Protection and AI expectations for 2026

On 19 December 2025, the European Commission formally renewed its Adequacy Decisions (made in the wake of Brexit, in 2021) in respect of the UK’s data protection laws.   The renewal of these Decisions means, in real terms, that controllers and processors of personal data can continue to send such data between the European Economic... Read More

Transition impossible? The role of transition finance on the road to net zero

The Loan Market Association (LMA) , along with its partners at the Loan Syndications and Trading Association Inc (LSTA) and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA), published its “Guide to Transition Loans” in October 2025. The Guide seeks to provide much-needed clarity and a practical framework for scaling up transition finance.   With the global economy on a... Read More

Fiduciaries, fire and phantom shares: how not to lose €67m in a liquidation

The UK Supreme Court handed down a significant judgment this week in Mitchell and another (Joint Liquidators of MBI International & Partners Inc (In Liquidation)) v Sheikh Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber UKSC 43. It is an important judgment which provides guidance on directors’ fiduciary duties post-liquidation, the scope of equitable compensation, and the... Read More

Autumn Budget 2025: Key changes for individuals, employers and business owners

The Autumn Budget saw headline tax rates remaining largely unchanged, with the Chancellor opting to raise taxes via fiscal drag measures caused by the freezing of various thresholds. This will have a direct impact on individuals, property investors, pension scheme members and employers in particular. Here we’ve noted a few of the main takeaways affecting... Read More

Court of Appeal Clarifies Discretion in Differential Costs Orders Under Section 17

The Court of Appeal in Milmoe v Chatzis & Anor IECA 149 clarifies that differential costs orders under Section 17 of the Courts Act 1981 are discretionary, not automatic. Even where an award falls within the Circuit Court’s jurisdiction, a costs differential order may be refused depending on the procedural and evidential context, and... Read More

Is your planning permission worth the paper it’s written on? The Supreme Court’s CG Fry Ruling Explained

The Supreme Court has now delivered its long-awaited judgment in CG Fry, opening a new chapter in how the Habitats Regulations are applied to planning consents. While often labelled a “nutrient neutrality” case, the ruling has much wider ramifications, particularly for developers operating in or near European Designated sites.   Background   In December 2015,... Read More