MPs returned to Westminster this week after the summer break, and APIL was hot on their heels to talk about key issues affecting victims of negligence.

With two months to go until the King’s Speech, in which the Government will set out what is expected to be its final legislative agenda before the next election, APIL discussed several campaign issues with MPs.

Among the issues discussed with MPs was the next step for the association’s campaign to reform the law on bereavement damages in England and Wales. APIL is lobbying MPs for a dedicated parliamentary debate on the need for reform, which has never been held before.

APIL also told MPs of the need for legislative action to remove the limitation period for child abuse survivors, following a recommendation by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) earlier this year.

Keep reading Weekly News for updates.

Party leaders have reshuffled their top teams as MPs returned to Parliament on Monday (4 September).

Labour leader Kier Starmer appointed Shabana Mahmood as Labour’s new Shadow Secretary of State for Justice.

The MP for Birmingham Ladywood, who worked as a barrister before her election to Parliament, replaces Steve Reed, who had been shadow justice secretary since November 2021. Mr Reed becomes the party’s new shadow environment secretary.

There was also promotion for shadow justice minister Ellie Reeves, who joined the Shadow Cabinet as Labour’s new Deputy National Campaign Co-ordinator. Liz Kendall also joined the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Labour’s new Shadow Cabinet can be read in full here.

Scottish National Party (SNP) Westminster leader Stephen Flynn also used the return of MPs to reshuffle his own frontbench. Chris Stephens was appointed as justice and immigration spokesperson, while David Linden remains as the party’s social justice spokesperson.

The SNP’s Westminster frontbench can be read in full here.

September’s issue of PI Focus is on its way to members. Read the online version here.

This month’s special focus is on international injuries and enforcing judgments. Sarah Prager KC and Simon O’Loughlin write about the growing difficulties of being a cross-border personal injury lawyer, and how changing laws affect armed forces members who are injured abroad.

Other highlights include:

Judging by appearances

Identifying body dysmorphic disorder before cosmetic surgery

Tackling the issue

Proving the link between TBI and dementia

Defence strategy

How PI firms should guard against cyber attacks

A high bar

The duty to inspect premises in slip and trip claims

Exclusive APIL research shows soaring delays with claims at the Motor Insurance Bureau, discrepancies within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, and more.

APIL’s Insight email is a quarterly update featuring the latest in APIL’s in-house research and analysis, delivered direct to members’ inboxes.

Other articles cover how the ‘whiplash reforms’ are creating a windfall for insurers, and how the UK is falling behind other countries in terms of road deaths.

Members can also read more on the growing ‘justice gap’ created by the introduction of the Official Injury Claim portal here.

James Nocker, an accommodation expert in Manchester, is the latest addition to APIL’s database of experts.

Find experts by using the expert database. Alternatively, call Jacqui Newman, APIL’s experts and events coordinator, on 01159 435 437.

New experts are encouraged to join APIL’s database to increase the wealth of choice for personal injury lawyers in need of expert witnesses. Members who know of experts who could be an asset to the database should ask them to get in touch with Jacqui.

Mosa tiles in hotel bathroom

Addiction rehab

Bunions – expert

Care/OT recommendation - spina bifida

Particulars of Claim for RTA involving an English Claimant and a Foreign Domiciled Defendant

Vulnerable client

remote examinations - psychiatric reports

Scrace & Co - insurance and witness evidence

Occupational therapist