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Interesting proposals. In theory, it could work and would provide absolute certainty as to the level of costs that can be recovered in a successful action. It will enable firms (on both sides) to plan resources accordingly, and plan cashflow.

However, it will most certainly lead to a de-skilling of the industry and turn solicitors into "sausage factories" operating the lightest of light touches on files, meaning certain matters cannot be investigated as thorough and leading to prof neg claims. Clients can no longer expect to receive a "gold standard" of client care, which will likely lead to a rise in complaints to the ombudsman.

The fact is: the present fixed fee regime in PI claims hasn't even been allowed to "bed in" and undergo a review of how it is working at the coal face, and yet here we have Sir Rupert instructing ministers that they should press on regardless.

Death knell? I doubt it. But a dumbing-down of one of this countries finest professions? Undoubtedly.