In a decision that will be welcomed by many in Parliament today, the European Court of Human Rights dismissed a claim by prominent businessman Sir Philip Green. Green had argued that his right to a private life and a fair trial had been infringed when a Labour Peer, Peter Hain, made a statement on the floor of the House of Lords claiming Green had been accused of sexual harassment and bullying by former employees.
The employees in question had signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and so Green had obtained an interim injunction (pending a trial) and anonymity order from the Court of Appeal after he learned that the Daily Telegraph planned to report on these allegations. These orders effectively prevented the Daily Telegraph from reporting on the claims against him.
Both Houses of Parliament have adopted a sub judice rule, which requires Members to give the Speaker at least 24 hours’ notice before they discuss any matter before the courts.
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