DRD took part in Social360's breakfast briefing panel discussing how digital activism works.

DRD's reflections on the Conservative Party Conference in 2018. It was the best of conferences, it was the worst of conferences.

Early in the morning of a day which saw tumultuous events set in train, DRD Partnership hosted a breakfast panel on Brexit at the Cinnamon Club in London.

With the imminent collapse of the Withdrawal Agreement, the clamour for a second EU referendum, a so-called People’s Vote grows unabated. It may be popular, it may even be preferable, but is it practicable? Pete Bowyer of DRD Partnership investigates…

DRD breakfast roundtable: An insight into Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party and their plans for Government.

On Tuesday 7th May 2019, Claire Davidson, Partner at DRD Partnership, spoke on the panel of a Cyber security event hosted by Pinsent Masons LLP.

As MPs return to Parliament after the Spring recess for Mrs May’s last week as Leader, the ramifications of the European Elections results loom large.

Samantha Beggs, Associate at DRD Partnership, looks at the race to be Prime Minister in the Conservative leadership contest.

Damn and blaster - DRD Consulting Partners, Duncan Fulton and Tamlin Vickers, share thoughts from either end of the Euro Tunnel.

Samantha Beggs, Associate at DRD Partnership in London, looks at the Awesome Foursome, or what will become of the Union after Brexit.

Tamlin Vickers, Partner at DRD Partnership, shares the view from Brussels on the outlook of Brexit in the European Union capital.

Pete Bowyer, Partner at DRD Partnership in London, assesses the intertwined relationship between public affairs and the law.

Tamlin Vickers, Partner at DRD Partnership in Brussels, looks at the current mood in Brussels where optimism is evaporating.

Samantha Beggs is an Associate at DRD Partnership in London, looks at the Conservative Party Conference, or at a conference of two halves.

DRD provide strategic and practical advice to attendees at a breakfast seminar on crisis communication for schools.

DRD Partnership’s roundtable breakfast discussion with Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable MP, hosted by leading international law firm, Travers Smith.

DRD's Pete Bowyer investigates the six reasons why Labour could still win and the six reasons why they won’t, in the upcoming General Election.

DRD Partner Paul Barnes assesses just how “right-wing” this Conservative party has become and will be if elected in the 2019 General Election.

DRD Partnership's take on Prince Andrew's interesting decision to be interviewed by the BBC Newsnight at the Palace this weekend.

On Saturday 16 November, hundreds of young people convened at the old Olympic Park in East London to take part in My Life My Say’s second annual Common Futures Forum.

DRD partner Duncan Fulton assesses the foreign policy offerings of the three main parties, and the ramifications of these for the UK’s global standing.

DRD's Antonia Kendrick, explores the legal sector’s technological revolution, and asks what the rise of AI means for lawyers.

Will the 2019 General Election be the death of the two-party system?

DRD Associate Samantha Beggs investigates whether nationalism is on the rise and what impact it might have in the General Election.

DRD Partner, Pete Bowyer's view in the final week running up to the general election. Expect a comfortable Conservative victory, possibly even a landslide.

Welcoming the DUDE! Our consulting partner, Duncan Fulton, has prepared the following six thoughts about Boris Johnson and his future Premiership.

Triumph and disaster - Pete Bowyer, Partner at DRD Partnership and a member Labour for over 30 years, shares his insights about the Labour Party Conference. 

2020 promises to be another year of increased scrutiny from investors and a year when employee as well as consumer considerations come to the fore. 

New expectations won’t be set by regulators or governments but by the mobilisation of public opinion. This perception gap is the space in which reputations can be made or ruined.

After one of the most turbulent years in modern British politics, it’s a safe bet that 2020 will not be such a political drama.

Moving slowly through the gears: the Labour leadership election reaches its next stage.

Britain has a good story to tell on action to tackle climate change and is looking to position itself as an international leader on this green issue.

End of an era/error? “We are inextricably part of Europe. Neither Mr Foot nor Mr Benn nor anyone else will ever be able to take us out of Europe.”

A decision on HS2 ’s future is imminent.Transport Secretary confirmed that the Gov could make an announcement as early as this week.

DRD Partner Duncan Fulton writes in the February edition of DIPLOMAT magazine. 2020 was supposed to be the year when everything was changed, wasn’t it?

Mr Johnson will stamp his authority on his government and provide a glimpse into the future of his premiership when he reshuffle s his ministers this week.

Restructure or reshuffle? Many expected to wake up on Valentine’s Day to a new Cabinet, an overhauled Civil Service and a conglomerate of departments.

DRD shares his views on the fast approaching Labour leadership election. Read more about the one member, one vote, and one mission here.

DRD's Partner in Brussels, Tamlin Vickers, shares his views on the EU and UK trade negotiations, with a special focus on 'the French problem'. 

DRD Partner Duncan Fulton's piece about the integrated Defence and Security Review.The review is the most ambitious since the end of the Cold War.

Is it time to bring back the feel-good factor? Read our latest public affairs blog post written by DRD Partner, Pete Bowyer.

We’ll be closely following policy, regulatory and legal developments to help you understand what it means for your businesses or that of your clients.

John Casey, a former press secretary for a Democratic Member of Congress, takes a look at what a potential Joe Biden Presidency may mean for the UK

We won’t be offering our ‘hot-take’ on the Government’s Covid-19 strategy but we will share some thoughts on how the Government is communicating the crisis.

Starming to victory: how Sir Keir needs to make the most of his moment.

A manual will tell you that a critical first step in a crisis is to define it. But that is far easier said than done.

Today, almost every business has become to some extent dependent on the Government. How will we be able to get out of this crisis? The answer is: think big.

The government has provided an unprecedented raft of support packages to support business at this time. Many individual sectors need to go beyond these.

Our court system, with all its antiquated charm, has been at the forefront of this push, fast-tracked into embracing the new normal. 

ESG and its role as a key determinant of corporate behaviour will certainly be accelerated by this crisis. Read more by clicking here.

Will Covid-19 provide an impetus for the Government to tackle domestic abuse? Read more on this by DRD Analyst, Bella Soames, by clicking here.

DRD's Partner in Brussels, Tamlin Vickers takes a look at the state and future of Brexit negotiations in light of the current healthcare situation. 

DRD Analyst, Ross Ewing takes a look at the future of gambling. The gambling industry in the UK is poised for change.

Lawrence Dore and Kate Miller examine whether the challenges to reputation posed by COVID-19 will be enough to hold back a rising tide of legal action.

With the PM set to announce an exit strategy on Sunday, Duncan Fulton discusses the reputational challenges Covid-19 poses to businesses.

As lockdown eases, companies must strike a complex balance between returning to work and protecting staff safety. DRD examines the latest announcements.

Read DRD Partners, Duncan Fulton and David Landsman, asess how we can wereboot international relations after the end of the global lockdown.

DRD Analyst Bella Soames asks what the long-term consequences of Dominic Cummings’ ill-advised trip to Barnard Castle will be for the Government.

DRD Advisor, David Landsman, looks at the criteria and "branding" for countries to come out of the pandemic on top.

Paul Barnes looks at how social-distancing will affect sectors of the economy and what the Government can do for business in these sectors.

Ross Ewing looks at the pressing issues facing the government over the next few months and what choices will need to be made on the road to recovery. 

Snapshot was given unique access* to this week’s No10 ‘Grid’ meeting, the gathering of spinners who pretend to come to Boris's aid.

On 18 June 2020, DRD Co-Founding Partner, Claire Davidson took part in the PRCA’s event on ‘Law firm communications and the Covid-19 crisis’.

Fflur Sheppard looks at the impact of the Downing Street Covid-19 press conferences, which ended this week – and ponders what news might come next.

Pete Bowyer explores why this weekend is a critical juncture for the Government, and how the Prime Minister will try to use this as an opportunity. Is it a position of maximum opportunity or maximum danger?

The ESG ‘movement’ had been gathering pace well before the Covid-19 outbreak, driven by increased investor scrutiny and an acknowledgement...

Aided by technology and the ease of identifying affected groups, class actions are becoming an accepted part of the UK litigation landscape.

As we emerge from “our national hibernation”, blinking into the light, we are welcomed by a scene ever more challenging and fluid for reputation management.

Steven Myers has written on the potential implications of the recent House of Lords report on gambling and what this could mean for legislative change.

Stormbreaker? DRD Analyst Bella Soames looks at the Chancellor’s announcements this week, the response to them, and what comes next.

DRD Partner, Kate Miller took part in Farrer & Co.’s event to consider how family offices and intermediaries should deal with data security breaches.

DRD Partners take a 360° look at the view on the EU-UK negotiations on a future trade deal from Brussels and London ahead of next week's discussions.

Ross Ewing investigates the debate in AUS on class actions and litigation funding and considers how the same argument could soon be happening in the UK.

As the Government returns from Recess – and schools across England and Wales return - DRD Partner Paul Barnes discusses their performance so far and what improvements are needed…

Part two of our series on how the party leaders are faring as Parliament returns from recess.

Ross Ewing takes a look at Sir Ed Davey’s first few weeks as leader of the Lib Dems and considers how he will place the party ahead of the next GE.

With every scientist becoming an armchair politician, and every politician becoming an armchair scientist, how do we know who to believe?

As Brexit rumbles on, Johnson insists that a deal must be struck by mid-October, while the EU insists that a deal must be struck by the end of October.

There's another deep current of change in British politics that shouldn’t escape our attention. Read about the Civil Service reform from Duncan Fulton here.

Kate Miller and Geordie Hazeel examine the evolving threat of ransomware in the midst of Covid-19, and its significant communications challenges.

Samantha Beggs takes a look at the Government’s handling of the free school meals debate and considers how No.10 could have handled their comms better

DRD Partner, Duncan Fulton, takes a look at the presidential candidates in the week running up to the 2020 US election - “You’re fired”, probably…

Pete Bowyer, a veteran of four COPs and a spokesman on climate justice issues discusses the hopes and fears for a new climate agreement.

Whilst Covid-19 ravaged the economy one of the silver linings has been the continued rise of ESG which has moved permanently...

Accelerated by Covid, sustainability, and the ESG factors that describe it, has moved from the margins to the mainstream.

People can be your biggest asset, or your biggest cynics, when it comes to your ESG work. They can provide the best ideas for your efforts.

Any business hoping to amplify their ESG strategies must be aware that an announcement does not complete the job but sets out an agenda for media scrutiny..

What effect is the pandemic going to have on legislative commitments to encourage further flow of capital towards greener assets?

Tamlin Vickers, Partner in Brussels, provides an update into what’s really going on in the ongoing Brexit negotiations.

We're looking at the issues the main parties will face in 2021 and outline challenges for the UK Prime Minister and the Conservative Party.

DRD Partner and former Labour adviser, Pete Bowyer takes a look at the key challenges and opportunities for Sir Keir Starmer through 2021.

A former Congressional fellow, looks at some of his challenges ahead and what Biden ’s US Presidency may herald for UK - US relations.

Pete Bowyer, DRD Partner, investigates and addresses the root causes of regulatory over-reach with respect to the Gambling industry.

Read how to navigate this year's challenges , including regulatory pressures, Brexit and Covid from Lawrence Dore. Hint: Stick to the facts !

In a world in ‘lockdown’, and with diplomacy rocked to the core, what role now for government diplomats? Ambassador Ranghieri responds

Reporting standards and principles, and the Basics of ESG Terminology - Read DRD's very own guide to ESG written by Analyst, Viktor Koleda!

Toby Chapman takes a look at what might be in store in the upcoming Budget, the challenges for Rishi Sunak and the economy.

Local elections are coming up. They will be a testbed of national sentiment for all politicians, but particularly Sir Keir Starmer...

Tensions over vaccines, specifically AstraZeneca, in Europe remains high but is it really all political? DRD Partner in Brussels, Tamlin Vickers, shares his views.

The proposal of a new European Super League - DRD Partners consider whether competition law may be used to block the move...

As the 2021 local elections draw closer, Sam takes a look at what they might have in store for the main parties...

Ahead of the Queen’s speech next week, and in the aftermath of “Super Thursday”, Jon McLeod, joining DRD as a Partner in July 2021, makes the case that Labour needs a response that finally sets pulses racing.

Ed Bowie explores what the Government needs to do to deliver results for local communities and how Levelling Up can be more than a slogan.

DRD Partnership was invited to attend a discussion and analysis on the Post Office Horizon scandal, by one of the leading barristers in the case.

As world leaders from the G7 meet in Cornwall, UK over this weekend, Anna Bailey looks at what’s in store for corporates on the ESG front.

We look at the implications of recent and potential developments in class actions from the communications perspective in the UK and Europe.

DRD Partnership has been ranked leading firm in both Litigation Support and Crisis by Chambers and Partners

Five years after the British public voted to leave the EU, Pete Bowyer explores how Brexit has changed the political map.

Tamlin Vickers looks at the EU Covid Recovery Fund as they try to rebuild some of the credibility lost by a sluggish response to the pandemic.

We advise a number of schools and institutions. Here we look at some of the communications learnings following Everyone’s Invited.

DRD Partnership's Tamlin Vickers and Anna Bailey reflect on the lessons and key takeaways from the recent G7 summit.

The fast-growing rise of ESG has led to an increase in corporate litigation risk. DRD explores the issue and how to manage the risk it brings.

In this podcast DRD Partner Kate Miller and Robert Lewis, Head of the Education Group at Mishcon de Reya, discuss the challenges facing schools in managing communications.

DRD takes an in-depth look at this year’s forgotten, but critical, election for the new General Secretary which declares on 26 August.

DRD assesses the state of play as Parliament goes into recess & explains how, after years of disruption, one Party looks like it’s settling..

The Government has published its Subsidy Control Bill, outlining the UK’s new State Aid regime. DRD take a look at the details.

DRD looks at how the fortunes of the Tories have changed over the Summer and considers how the Afghan crisis impacts domestic politics.

DRD Partner, Jon Mcleod assesses Labour's problem with distinguishing between words and effectively communicating with the electorate.

After last week’s preview of the Labour Party Conference, DRD takes a look at what might be in store for the Conservatives next week.

The post-Brexit framework for the UK’s State Aid regime has serious implications for the devolved administrations.

DRD co-organised a seminar with international law firm, Dentons, and the BRLA.

Claire Davidson hosted: “Managing reputations in the world of IP – why it matters”.

DRD Associate, Edward Bowie, reviews where the new Digital Markets Unit fits into the wider regulatory landscape.

Autumn budget and spending review 2021

Pete Bowyer takes a look at the chances of success of COP26

Harry Barber takes a look at the steps which the U.K. government can take following the explosion at Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Remembrance Sunday.

New report highlights the ‘devil in the detail’ of the proposed Online Sales Tax.

Clemency Huggins and Ed Bowie take a look at how the Government and Opposition are approaching Levelling Up

With Parliament entering recess yesterday, DRD Partner Jon McLeod looks to the year ahead and asks - will 2022 see the fracturing of the United Kingdom?

The New Year heralds the Business Secretary’s unprecedented new powers over corporate deal-making. Here, we rate the political risks of deal-making under the new regime.

An established feature of the UK financial services sector faces important reforms, say Jon McLeod and Iona Cross.

2022 has started with the fashion industry’s dirty laundry being aired, after the CMA announced a review of environmental claims in the sector. In this blog, DRD Associate, Ed Bowie, analyses what the review means for the sector and what it says about the CMA's focus going forward.

At last, the Government have delivered the Levelling Up White Paper – 400 pages of plans and promises with much of the substance still to come. But what does the White Paper contain and what does it mean for the Government going forward?

The UK’s competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), began a market study into music and streaming services at the end of January. Are we about to witness major changes to the way the music industry works in this country?

The cloud computing industry is under increasing scrutiny from anti-trust regulators. Recent investigations did not bring immediate results, but they signalled the start of a gradual shift towards more thorough, intersectional examination by authorities...

The Government’s 2021 Defence and Security Industrial Strategy looks to position the defence sector in the middle of the UK's post-Brexit shop window. However, many in the Government are wondering if, when it comes to defence, they are opening the shop door a little too wide…

DRD is delighted to welcome Claire Harris as a Senior Adviser. Claire is a Competition expert and solicitor, and joins DRD's growing Competition & Antitrust Team. Claire is a competition expert and a solicitor, with experience in senior roles at several international law firms and competition regulators.

Preventing early exposure to harmful materials and abuse in the age of Everyone’s Invited.

Jon McLeod and Yasmin Abubeker report on a case with clear implications for lawyers and PR professionals engaged in publicising the outcome of cases.

With political and economic constraints closing in, DRD looks at how potential announcements in the Spring Statement could see the Chancellor navigate the crises of the coming months, or show him beginning to lose his balance...

What is the Online Safety Bill and how will it change the future of tech regulation? In this blog, Samuel Piña takes a dive into how the Government’s solution to the growing issue of online regulation is shaping future policy in the sector.

Driven by the need to reduce their carbon impact, and the rise of ESG metrics in their reporting, businesses are increasingly hitting competition law roadblocks when working to deliver on their sustainability promises. Who’s to blame, asks DRD Associate, Ed Bowie?

DRD was delighted to attend the Teach First Leadership Conference with Mishcon de Reya, where together they led two sessions on crisis management.

As the Government prepares to carry the Subsidy Control Bill over to the next session of Parliament, Toby Chapman takes stock of its goals, implications, and potential challenges.

DRD Partnership has published an exclusive briefing note on the key Bills expected to be in the Queen’s Speech and offering political analysis on each of the main department’s proposed legislative plans.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, and continues to present new dangers for global resources and supply chains, DRD considers the consequences on competition law and the possible policy responses that governments could deploy.

DRD Partnership’s Rhys Barnes takes a look at the local elections and what the results might mean for both major parties.

On the 10th May, Prince Charles announced a super-sized 'Queen's' Speech containing 38 Bills. In this blog, DRD Partner, Pete Bowyer, looks at what this will mean for Government this year.

Announced in this year’s Queen’s Speech, the Media Bill legislates for Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries’ plans to privatise Channel 4. DRD’s Samuel Piña draws out what political and regulatory implications the Bill might have.

DRD Partnership has published a report on the Procurement Bill. DRD Analyst Natasha Kennedy looks at whether the expectations of the Bill to establish a new post-Brexit chapter for UK businesses will be realised.

Detailed policy with real regulatory impact will continue to progress without regard for political drama. In this blog, Ed Bowie looks at the need for business to stay focused despite the political noise.

The Private Members’ Bills for the 2022-23 Parliamentary session have now been tabled. DRD Senior Analyst, Toby Chapman, examines how they work, and what the ballot winners might hope to achieve.

Six months since its inception, today DRD Partnership publishes its analysis of how the National Security and Investment Act has been working.

In this article, DRD Partner, Lawrence Dore, discusses the ways in which ESG might develop in an atmosphere of increasingly rigorous monitoring.

New report highlights the differences between the candidates for Leader of the Conservative Party.

The European Commission has had its powers to muscle in on mergers confirmed, to widespread wailing and gnashing of teeth.

How can corporates push back against recent moves by the European competition authorities to extend its powers to intervene in mergers?

DRD Partnership is delighted to welcome Michael Rose as a Senior Associate, joining our growing Litigation and Crisis team.

DRD Partnership was pleased to host Labour MP, Chi Onwurah, Shadow Minister for Science, Research & Innovation, at a private business breakfast roundtable this morning at the Labour conference.

Ed Bowie of DRD Partnership and Gordon Nardell KC of Twenty Essex describe how public affairs and public law can best combine to get Ministers to rethink controversial plans.

DRD Partnership was pleased to host Labour MP Seema Malhotra, Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers, at a private roundtable this morning in London.

In today’s Autumn Statement the Chancellor of the Exchequer struck a serious, sobering tone, announcing tax rises for millions and aiming to undo the reputational damage done by last month’s ‘mini-Budget’. DRD Senior Analyst and former Treasury official Toby Chapman examines the political implications of the statement for both the Government and the Opposition.

With the National Security and Investment Act being in force for one year from tomorrow, in this blog DRD’s Claire Harris and Ed Bowie examine the inherent tension it exposes. How does it protect national security just when we need investment and growth the most?

At the recent London Blockchain Summit, industry insiders appeared to recognise that government regulation is imminent, and that it may unlock further opportunities for the mass adoption of the technology.

The Labour Party is taking measured and deliberate steps to warm business to its economic thinking, says DRD Senior Analyst Toby Chapman.

Schools are braced for a fresh cyber onslaught after a bruising past year, say Kate Miller and Iona Cross.

Today’s activist shareholders come prepared with bold claims and sophisticated communications strategies. Viktor Koleda writes about steps that corporates can take to prepare for potential challenges.

DRD was delighted to host Bill Esterson MP, Labour’s shadow minister for business and industry, at a roundtable with leading businesses and organisations this morning.

In this new report, DRD’s Ed Bowie examines how better policy coordination and the relaxation of competition controls could help resolve global chip shortages.

A General Election is coming, and DRD believe Budget 2023 will show us all what’s in store.

DRD Partnership was pleased to host Labour Frontbench Peer, Lord Bassam of Brighton, Shadow Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, Energy and Net Zero and Science Innovation and Technology at a roundtable policy dialogue.

DRD examines the growing debate around Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and how clients can ensure the pursuit of legal remedies doesn’t land their reputation in hot water.

DRD Partnership and global talent advisory, Green Park, were pleased to host Labour Peer, Baroness Thornton, Shadow Spokesperson for Women and Equalities at a breakfast roundtable.

DRD Partnership was delighted to co-host a panel discussion with the Female Fraud Forum. The event looked at the 3 dimensions of cross-jurisdictional fraud, focusing on how journalists, lawyers and communications professionals deal with high-stakes international cases.

DRD Partner, Jon McLeod, reports on the far-reaching provisions of the National Security Bill’s Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS).

Ministers have raised the stakes for the gambling industry in their new White Paper, writes DRD Senior Adviser, Steve Myers.

A new poll says the balance of public opinion is that the UK's Competition and Markets Authority was wrong to block Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

The 2023 local election results are unanimous about three things, uncertain about one, and have led commentators to ask a familiar, but misguided, question. DRD Partner, Pete Bowyer, attempts to answer the right one.

In this article, first published in this week’s ThoughtLeaders4 Competition journal, DRD’s Ed Bowie examines whether competition authorities have the right focus.

DRD Partnership’s specialist competition and regulation team has produced a report which provides a detailed look at what a Labour Government would do to the UK’s anti-trust and regulatory regimes, and what this could mean for businesses and the UK economy.

Corporate reputations are increasingly exposed to threats that emerge from businesses’ supply chains coming under the public spotlight. DRD looks at how the use of strategic communications can help corporates pivot from fighting shy of discussing their supply chains towards taking ownership and gaining credibility.

Financial institutions should brace for a surge in challenges to their green investment credentials, argues Beatrix Lohn.

DRD Partnership has been ranked as a leading firm for both Litigation Support and Crisis and Risk Management by Chambers and Partners.

Charities have found themselves at the heart of a regulatory debate over extremism and free speech, writes Jon McLeod.

Lawrence Dore and Beatrix Lohn examine the implications of the National Risk Register for UK corporates and their communications preparedness.

In the second of DRD’s Labour report series, DRD takes a look at Labour’s plans for the 'everyday economy'.

DRD partnered with Future First, a charity dedicated to improving students’ motivation, confidence, and life chances, to launch our first ever ‘DRD Summer School’.

Jonny Harris and Kate Miller argue that class actions have rightly won their place as part of the legal landscape but need a compelling narrative.

On 25 August 2023, the CMA published its report following a six-month market study into the housebuilding sector. In the third of DRD's Labour report series, DRD's Competition team takes a look at how the regulator’s findings could be viewed by the Labour Party, and leveraged as they look to enter government with a substantial boost to housing stock.

Labour has confirmed that it will remove key tax exemptions for independent schools, as part of its mission to break down barriers to opportunity. Much of the detail is yet to be determined - so what do we know, and what can schools do now to build resilience and maintain trust? In the fourth report in DRD’s Labour series, Anna Cacciaguerra Ranghieri asks how independent schools should prepare for Labour’s tax plans.

Jon McLeod looks at what the Labour reshuffle tells us about next year’s campaign and how Labour will govern if successful.

Starmer’s changes to his top team last week notably kept his shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in post. Wes Streeting is seen as a strong performer in the role but has come in for criticism from some in the Party for his willingness to use the private sector to deliver public services. In the fifth report of DRD's Labour series, DRD examines how an incoming Labour government would approach the health portfolio – and what it says about the Party’s wider direction of travel.

“Brace, don’t panic”, say leading media lawyers Carter-Ruck and strategic communications firm DRD Partnership.

Upon its introduction in 2015, the Consumer Rights Act promised to "allow consumers and businesses to easily achieve redress for losses they have suffered as a result of breaches of competition law”. However, eight years later, the regime is yet to witness a settlement or final resolution at trial. DRD's Dulcie Brennan explores why a landmark settlement deal agreed last week may be about to turn the tide for class actions in the UK.

Michael Rose (DRD Partnership) and Ashley Williams (Mishcon de Reya) take a look at what the impact of the upcoming AI Safety Summit might be on UK regulation.

With just over two weeks to COP28 in Dubai, the countdown to COP28 has begun. Lawrence Dore and Beatrix Lohn look ahead to the themes and issues of this year’s gathering.

Anna Cacciaguerra Ranghieri explains how communications take centre stage in winning trust in the face of misconduct storms.

In our analysis with Linklaters, we explore the continued popularity of judicial review despite the government’s attempts to rein it in.

Does the media close down for two weeks over Christmas? With the holidays just around the corner, many businesses assume that newspapers, broadcast and digital publications will also pause their operations over the festive season. In this report, Laura Mattar from WithersWorldwide joins DRD's Rupert Bhatia to warn that this is not the case, urging businesses to remain vigilant in the face of heightened media scrutiny.

With Christmas just around the corner, here are 15 questions to test your trivia knowledge.

Claire Harris and Jon McLeod examine why more third parties are intervening in merger reviews by competition authorities and look at the risks and rewards of doing so.

The proliferation of risks facing HNW individuals that are involved in contentious situations necessitates a robust and active approach to reputation management.

Contributing to Mishcon de Reya’s new ‘For the Attention of the Board’ report, DRD’s Michael Rose offers his views on how senior management can best manage the implementation of AI.

Rupert Bhatia, Senior Associate at DRD, offers some advice to those looking to start a career in media and communications.

At the end of February, the CMA will publish its final findings following a year-long market study into the housebuilding sector. In this report, DRD Associate Toby Chapman examines what is anticipated in the regulator’s report, and how it is likely to signal further uncertainty and political turbulence for the sector.

7BR’s Kitty Geddes and DRD Partnership’s Jon McLeod and Beatrix Lohn reflect on the extension of a Pilot Scheme that will allow journalists and legal bloggers to report on cases from almost half the Family courts in England and Wales.

As part of a series of engagements with Labour’s Shadow Frontbench team, DRD Partnership was delighted to host Thangam Debbonaire MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport at a breakfast event held at the London Transport Museum.

When Catherine West MP, Shadow Asia Minister, travelled to Beijing last week, she told senior Chinese government figures and businesses that “The next Labour government will take a strong, clear-eyed and consistent approach to China”. However, the detail of that approach still remains to be seen. In this report, DRD’s Jon McLeod and Charlie McAllister examine why a Labour government might be more hawkish on China.

Labour’s frontbench, leading think-tankers and the polling industry gathered at a recent DRD Partnership breakfast to discuss how the Party should address the challenge of being considered a ‘shoe-in’ as the next Government. Michael Rose and Gina Watson report.

The government has announced further changes to the UK’s screening regime, governed by the National Security and Investment Act 2021. DRD Senior Associate, Ed Bowie assesses where the changes align with industry’s experience to date, and what the changes say about the government’s perspective on foreign investment.

DRD Partnership’s Michael Rose joined Ashley Williams, Co-Leader of Mishcon de Reya's Technology Transactions Group, on their podcast to discuss the AI challenges and opportunities facing businesses.

The Birmingham MP says the Party must give voters ‘a big vision’ to believe in, writes Sophia Meadows.

DRD Partnership’s Kate Miller joined a panel on ‘Navigating Client Reputation Management: Combined PR and Legal Considerations’ at the ThoughtLeaders4 conference earlier this month.

The UK university sector faces near existential threats in the run-up to the General Election on 4 July 2024. Jon McLeod and Freddie Eltringham examine how funding troubles, free speech debates, and national security concerns could spark immediate challenges for a prospective Labour government.

Jon McLeod and Gina Watson take a look at the growing challenges facing the UK’s attempts to address its public health emergency and the difficult decisions that an incoming Labour government may need to make.

Foreign policy is often overlooked in general election campaigns, but Labour will face an unprecedented set of global challenges if it assumes power next month, write Jon McLeod and Harry Webster.

With Labour counting on growth to provide the resources required to pay for improvements in public services, Jon McLeod and Ed Bowie explore whether it will be up to the Party’s industrial strategy to deliver the goods.

Local authorities provide the bedrock of public services; but their financial stability has been fatally undermined, say Jon McLeod and Nathan Ashley.

DRD Partnership has been ranked as a leading firm for both Litigation PR & Communications and Crisis PR & Communications by Chambers and Partners.

With COP29 in Baku round the corner, the Party will need to walk the talk on climate change’s world stage, argue Jon McLeod and Toby Chapman.

DRD partnered with Future First to give eight brilliant young sixth formers the opportunity to learn about communications, the courts, the public sector, and the law through our Summer School.

The increasing threat of ‘dark PR’ tactics prompts the need to plan for an effective fightback, writes Michael Rose.

Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election as European Commission President spells a renewed focus by the EU on climate, competitiveness and defence, argues Tamlin Vickers.

We are pleased to announce the release of DRD's latest report, “Labour in Government: the complete guide to the Parliamentary Labour Party.”

As crisis management specialists, we are often asked about the optimal time to engage a crisis communications firm. The answer depends on several factors involving the issue itself, timing and those stakeholders who might be involved or affected.

Claire Davidson and Michael Rose examine the UN’s efforts to create a global regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, and asks whether it can ever keep up with the rapid pace of change.

DRD was pleased to co-host a breakfast event with Grant Thornton UK LLP on navigating the perfect storm of complex corporate crises.

From “taking back control” to “active government”, the Labour Chancellor has fired the starting gun on a new era of interventionism. Jon McLeod and Freddie Eltringham lift the lid on the policy behind Labour’s plans to unlock Britain’s growth.

DRD Partnership’s Kate Miller joined a group of fellow education experts at the Independent School’s Show Leaders Forum to discuss VAT’s impact on the sector. Iman Muneer reports.

How far will the Party go in protecting intellectual property rights-holders as it seeks to fire growth with AI, ask Samuel Pina and Freddie Eltringham.

Does the Chinese government have our cash-strapped universities over a barrel? asks Jonny Harris.

Jon McLeod and Samuel Piña look ahead to the reawakening of this key element of the Parliamentary machinery

Sophia Meadows, Tom Fisher and Iman Muneer report on the large number of inquiries that have been announced by the new House of Commons Select Committees this week

In the wake of last week’s Budget, Jon McLeod examines Labour's need to sharpen its focus on nuclear energy and its potential to shape the UK's clean energy future.

International legal enforcement is the missing ingredient in the Azerbaijan talks, argue Jon McLeod and Sophia Meadows

Baker McKenzie’s Joanna Ludlam and Jon McLeod of DRD Partnership set out how to deliver combined legal and communications response to contentious ESG challenges.

Recently, DRD co-founder Claire Davidson, joined Mishcon de Reya’s Matthew Ewens, Partner in the Dispute Resolution team and Barry Coffey, Partner in the White Collar Crime and Investigations team, in a speed-briefing and discussion on the steps individuals and companies should take if served with a worldwide freezing order.

DRD partners Claire Davidson and Kate Miller reflect on five days in Dubai – a ‘hot’ legal centre and new frontier in strategic reputation management.

Financing AI risk into opportunity; a recent DRD/Fountain Court Chambers roundtable explored whether the UK dons a regulatory straitjacket or can common law cope with the technology’s rise?

Senior Associate Leah Dudley reflects on the how the risks that threaten companies’ reputations developed over the course of this year. Looking back at 2024, the emergence of new technologies, shifting public expectations, and the implications of external political, geopolitical and regulatory advancements all made an impact.

The Party has finally started to lean into its commitment to prioritise growth – but there’s devil in the detail, argue Jon McLeod and Nathan Ashley

Will increased transparency see London lose its crown as divorce capital of the world, asks Kate Miller

With new legislation, high-profile court rulings, and intensified regulatory scrutiny, 2025 is likely to be a big year for litigators in this space. Jon McLeod and Gina Watson take a look at some of the critical trends shaping the legal and reputational landscape.

With sophisticated AI tools enabling unprecedented levels of disinformation, managing online reputation has become more complex than ever. Kate Miller, Partner at DRD Partnership, recently highlighted these concerns in a Tatler feature exploring how AI is revolutionising the threat landscape for high-profile individuals.

Claire Davidson and Viktor Koleda of DRD Partnership, joined by John Han and Emily Beirne of global law firm Kobre & Kim, publish an in-depth guide on navigating legal, reputational, and commercial risks in international arbitration.

Michael Rose of DRD Partnership and Jacob Turner of Fountain Court Chambers examine the legal, communications and reputational challenges associated with the so called ‘AI space race’.

Last week, DRD’s Lawrence Dore joined leading legal experts and strategic advisors at TL4’s 3rd annual ESG Litigation Summit to examine the evolving litigation landscape around Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, and how businesses can effectively manage and mitigate the ensuing legal and reputational risks. Gina Watson reports.

Last week, DRD’s Kate Miller joined leading legal experts and advisors at the ThoughtLeaders4Disputes’ second annual Anti-Bribery and Corruption Forum. Anthony Rawstron reports.

DRD and Bird & Bird hosted a roundtable to explore the regulatory and reputational challenges facing the world of sport today.

The rise of opt-out claims before the Competition Appeal Tribunal faces a limbo as the threat of regulation and new case-law up the ante, write Jon McLeod and Tom Fisher.

Clients and friends are invited to join us in a packed schedule covering everything from inquiries to workplace culture, reports Anthony Rawstron.