A record number of Russian litigants appeared in the London commercial courts last year despite the widespread imposition of sanctions. Meanwhile the number of Ukrainian litigants - among the most frequently appearing nationality in recent years - dropped to zero. The findings come from Commercial Courts Report 2023, the latest annual snapshot of the sector produced by legal communications company Portland. 

According to the 2023 report, while pre-Covid levels of activity have yet to reeturn, the number of judgments delivers in 2022 was 11% up on the previous year. Over 1,100 litigants appeared in the courts, 23% up on 2021. Only 40% of litigants were from the UK, a decrease from previous years. 

The record number of Russian litigants was driven largely by cases brought by business executives and some sanctioned entities. Russia was followed by the US, India and Singapore as the most common nationalities appearing in the courts.

In a foreword to the report, Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, former president of the UK Supreme Court writes: 'I am surprised by the increase in Singaporean and Indian litigants: it appears to be a particular compliment to London, given the keenness of the Singaporean courts and arbitration institutions to attract southern Asian international dispute resolution to Singapore.'

Portland’s polling for the report also reveals overwhelming public support in favour of climate change litigation in the UK, including greenwashing claims against companies. Nearly 90% of the public agrees that parent companies should be held accountable for damage caused by a subsidiary. Eighty-one percent of respondents agree that the 'UK courts should be prepared to intervene to force private companies to meet more ambitious climate change-related targets.'

Philip Hall, managing director and head of Portland’s litigation and disputes practice, said: 'Despite increasing competition from overseas, London’s appeal to international litigants, and the soft power that goes with it, endures - at least for now.'

 

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