Bob FM: I was merely quoting figures given to me, relatively recently, by a solicitor acting in an actual case in which I had an interest. When you reach court, a QC and junior counsel, plus the instructing solicitor and finally VAT. the actual cost will not be those which you are quoting. I hope that you have given Stuart Wheeler the addresses of those barristers whom you have encountered over the past three years.
I will tell you why I am , 'talking in this way'. The NEC raised the matter of initiating a civil action against Mr Edwards, as a consequence of his 'spoof' letter. This proposed action was approved by the NEC. It would be inconceivable, that some consideration would not have been given as to the final cost; and actual financial reserves identified, particularly when the NEC Secretary is a lawyer himself. The liklihood of success and the liklihood of obtaining damages, even if they had won, appears to have produced a collective change of mind. Should that not be the case, are we to assume that a civil action is still a possibility? Most unlkiely, I would predict.
The matter was subsequently referred to the police, possibly to have it pursued at public expense, but that does not appear to have been successful, at least as far as the NEC is concerned.
If litigation is so inexpensive, why has UKIP paid so much by using the legal process over the years? Answer, because it is not inexpensive, and should only ever be an option of last resort. That is not being sanctimonious, BoB FM, but wisely protecting the funds of the Party and membership.
years?
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