A guide to Unlawful Information Gathering

Ellen Gallagher, a Partner in Hamlins Media Disputes team, talks about the common themes seen in unlawful information gathering claims.

In January 2025, Hamlins client Lord Tom Watson, alongside Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, won a landmark unlawful information gathering claim against News Group Newspapers Limited (NGN), the publishers of The Sun and previously The News of the World.

Ellen acted as solicitor to Lord Watson in this claim and he, alongside Prince Harry, reached a settlement with NGN, which offered a full and unequivocal apology to both claimants.