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4 Oct 2024
Time for UK universities to move beyond reliance on China
Does the Chinese government have our cash-strapped universities over a barrel? asks Jonny Harris.
3 Oct 2024
Can Labour balance AI innovation and creators’ rights?
How far will the Party go in protecting intellectual property rights-holders as it seeks to fire growth with AI, ask Samuel Pina and Freddie Eltringham.
1 Oct 2024
Taxing times for independent schools
DRD Partnership’s Kate Miller joined a group of fellow education experts at the Independent School’s Show Leaders Forum to discuss VAT’s impact on the sector. Iman Muneer reports.
27 Sep 2024
From “taking back control” to “active government”, the Labour Chancellor has fired the starting gun on a new era of interventionism
From “taking back control” to “active government”, the Labour Chancellor has fired the starting gun on a new era of interventionism. Jon McLeod and Freddie Eltringham lift the lid on the policy behind Labour’s plans to unlock Britain’s growth.
25 Sep 2024
DRD and Grant Thornton panel event: The art of managing complex corporate crises
DRD was pleased to co-host a breakfast event with Grant Thornton UK LLP on navigating the perfect storm of complex corporate crises.
24 Sep 2024
An AI eternal wait for business: can the UN keep pace with machine learning?
Claire Davidson and Michael Rose examine the UN’s efforts to create a global regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, and asks whether it can ever keep up with the rapid pace of change.
13 Aug 2024
When does my issue become a crisis?
As crisis management specialists, we are often asked about the optimal time to engage a crisis communications firm. The answer depends on several factors involving the issue itself, timing and those stakeholders who might be involved or affected.
25 Jul 2024
Labour In Government: the complete guide to the Parliamentary Labour Party
We are pleased to announce the release of DRD's latest report, “Labour in Government: the complete guide to the Parliamentary Labour Party.”
19 Jul 2024
Europe’s new direction – under old management
Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election as European Commission President spells a renewed focus by the EU on climate, competitiveness and defence, argues Tamlin Vickers.
12 Jul 2024
Is dark PR behind your crisis?
The increasing threat of ‘dark PR’ tactics prompts the need to plan for an effective fightback, writes Michael Rose.
9 Jul 2024
DRD Summer School 2024: a glimpse into the future with hands-on experience
DRD partnered with Future First to give eight brilliant young sixth formers the opportunity to learn about communications, the courts, the public sector, and the law through our Summer School.
2 Jul 2024
Starmer’s inbox: renewing Labour’s green credentials
With COP29 in Baku round the corner, the Party will need to walk the talk on climate change’s world stage, argue Jon McLeod and Toby Chapman.
26 Jun 2024
DRD ranked in Tier 1 by Chambers & Partners
DRD Partnership has been ranked as a leading firm for both Litigation PR & Communications and Crisis PR & Communications by Chambers and Partners.
25 Jun 2024
Starmer’s inbox: local government in urgent need of repair
Local authorities provide the bedrock of public services; but their financial stability has been fatally undermined, say Jon McLeod and Nathan Ashley.
18 Jun 2024
Starmer’s inbox: going for growth
With Labour counting on growth to provide the resources required to pay for improvements in public services, Jon McLeod and Ed Bowie explore whether it will be up to the Party’s industrial strategy to deliver the goods.
12 Jun 2024
Starmer’s inbox: in a foreign place?
Foreign policy is often overlooked in general election campaigns, but Labour will face an unprecedented set of global challenges if it assumes power next month, write Jon McLeod and Harry Webster.
5 Jun 2024
Starmer’s inbox: prescription for change – what’s Labour’s cure for the public health crisis?
Jon McLeod and Gina Watson take a look at the growing challenges facing the UK’s attempts to address its public health emergency and the difficult decisions that an incoming Labour government may need to make.
30 May 2024
Starmer’s inbox: higher education at a crossroads
The UK university sector faces near existential threats in the run-up to the General Election on 4 July 2024. Jon McLeod and Freddie Eltringham examine how funding troubles, free speech debates, and national security concerns could spark immediate challenges for a prospective Labour government.
17 May 2024
Navigating client reputation management: combined PR and legal considerations
DRD Partnership’s Kate Miller joined a panel on ‘Navigating Client Reputation Management: Combined PR and Legal Considerations’ at the ThoughtLeaders4 conference earlier this month.
8 May 2024
Why politics matters: Labour’s Jess Phillips MP packs DRD breakfast
The Birmingham MP says the Party must give voters ‘a big vision’ to believe in, writes Sophia Meadows.
25 Apr 2024
Podcast – How to handle the AI challenge
DRD Partnership’s Michael Rose joined Ashley Williams, Co-Leader of Mishcon de Reya's Technology Transactions Group, on their podcast to discuss the AI challenges and opportunities facing businesses.
19 Apr 2024
UK government outlines further changes to country’s investment screening regime
The government has announced further changes to the UK’s screening regime, governed by the National Security and Investment Act 2021. DRD Senior Associate, Ed Bowie assesses where the changes align with industry’s experience to date, and what the changes say about the government’s perspective on foreign investment.
18 Apr 2024
‘No complacency’ for Labour in the run up to the General Election
Labour’s frontbench, leading think-tankers and the polling industry gathered at a recent DRD Partnership breakfast to discuss how the Party should address the challenge of being considered a ‘shoe-in’ as the next Government. Michael Rose and Gina Watson report.
27 Mar 2024
What would a Labour Government mean for UK-China relations?
When Catherine West MP, Shadow Asia Minister, travelled to Beijing last week, she told senior Chinese government figures and businesses that “The next Labour government will take a strong, clear-eyed and consistent approach to China”. However, the detail of that approach still remains to be seen. In this report, DRD’s Jon McLeod and Charlie McAllister examine why a Labour government might be more hawkish on China.
22 Mar 2024
Shadow Culture Secretary lays out Labour’s cultural agenda at DRD roundtable
As part of a series of engagements with Labour’s Shadow Frontbench team, DRD Partnership was delighted to host Thangam Debbonaire MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport at a breakfast event held at the London Transport Museum.
29 Feb 2024
Lifting the veil on proceedings in the Family Courts
7BR’s Kitty Geddes and DRD Partnership’s Jon McLeod and Beatrix Lohn reflect on the extension of a Pilot Scheme that will allow journalists and legal bloggers to report on cases from almost half the Family courts in England and Wales.
22 Feb 2024
The roofs over our heads
At the end of February, the CMA will publish its final findings following a year-long market study into the housebuilding sector. In this report, DRD Associate Toby Chapman examines what is anticipated in the regulator’s report, and how it is likely to signal further uncertainty and political turbulence for the sector.
15 Feb 2024
Kickstarting a career in Strategic Communications
Rupert Bhatia, Senior Associate at DRD, offers some advice to those looking to start a career in media and communications.
13 Feb 2024
AI at the Helm
Contributing to Mishcon de Reya’s new ‘For the Attention of the Board’ report, DRD’s Michael Rose offers his views on how senior management can best manage the implementation of AI.
31 Jan 2024
Protecting global reputations: supporting private clients in conflicts and disputes
The proliferation of risks facing HNW individuals that are involved in contentious situations necessitates a robust and active approach to reputation management.
24 Jan 2024
Preaching the controversy
Claire Harris and Jon McLeod examine why more third parties are intervening in merger reviews by competition authorities and look at the risks and rewards of doing so.
22 Dec 2023
DRD’s Christmas Quiz
With Christmas just around the corner, here are 15 questions to test your trivia knowledge.
20 Dec 2023
The not-so-silly season…
Does the media close down for two weeks over Christmas? With the holidays just around the corner, many businesses assume that newspapers, broadcast and digital publications will also pause their operations over the festive season. In this report, Laura Mattar from WithersWorldwide joins DRD's Rupert Bhatia to warn that this is not the case, urging businesses to remain vigilant in the face of heightened media scrutiny.
5 Dec 2023
A legal and political paradox: how a government determined to restrict judicial review ended up expanding it
In our analysis with Linklaters, we explore the continued popularity of judicial review despite the government’s attempts to rein it in.
30 Nov 2023
Special Report: How trust is central to weathering misconduct probes
Anna Cacciaguerra Ranghieri explains how communications take centre stage in winning trust in the face of misconduct storms.
17 Nov 2023
“We’ll always have Paris”: the countdown to COP28
With just over two weeks to COP28 in Dubai, the countdown to COP28 has begun. Lawrence Dore and Beatrix Lohn look ahead to the themes and issues of this year’s gathering.
1 Nov 2023
What is the smart way to regulate Artificial Intelligence?
Michael Rose (DRD Partnership) and Ashley Williams (Mishcon de Reya) take a look at what the impact of the upcoming AI Safety Summit might be on UK regulation.
19 Oct 2023
CAT’s out the bag: Landmark UK class action settlement deal
Upon its introduction in 2015, the Consumer Rights Act promised to "allow consumers and businesses to easily achieve redress for losses they have suffered as a result of breaches of competition law”. However, eight years later, the regime is yet to witness a settlement or final resolution at trial. DRD's Dulcie Brennan explores why a landmark settlement deal agreed last week may be about to turn the tide for class actions in the UK.
15 Sep 2023
AI & Reputation Management: Report by Carter-Ruck and DRD Partnership
“Brace, don’t panic”, say leading media lawyers Carter-Ruck and strategic communications firm DRD Partnership.
14 Sep 2023
Curing the ills of NHS
Starmer’s changes to his top team last week notably kept his shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in post. Wes Streeting is seen as a strong performer in the role but has come in for criticism from some in the Party for his willingness to use the private sector to deliver public services. In the fifth report of DRD's Labour series, DRD examines how an incoming Labour government would approach the health portfolio – and what it says about the Party’s wider direction of travel.
4 Sep 2023
Starmer eyes General Election with Labour reshuffle
Jon McLeod looks at what the Labour reshuffle tells us about next year’s campaign and how Labour will govern if successful.
1 Sep 2023
A taxing question for independent schools
Labour has confirmed that it will remove key tax exemptions for independent schools, as part of its mission to break down barriers to opportunity. Much of the detail is yet to be determined - so what do we know, and what can schools do now to build resilience and maintain trust? In the fourth report in DRD’s Labour series, Anna Cacciaguerra Ranghieri asks how independent schools should prepare for Labour’s tax plans.
25 Aug 2023
Building a Better Britain
On 25 August 2023, the CMA published its report following a six-month market study into the housebuilding sector. In the third of DRD's Labour report series, DRD's Competition team takes a look at how the regulator’s findings could be viewed by the Labour Party, and leveraged as they look to enter government with a substantial boost to housing stock.
21 Aug 2023
A class apart: making the case for class actions
Jonny Harris and Kate Miller argue that class actions have rightly won their place as part of the legal landscape but need a compelling narrative.
18 Aug 2023
DRD Inaugural Summer School: Bridging Gaps and Building Futures
DRD partnered with Future First, a charity dedicated to improving students’ motivation, confidence, and life chances, to launch our first ever ‘DRD Summer School’.
10 Aug 2023
Everyday People: Labour and the ‘everyday economy’
In the second of DRD’s Labour report series, DRD takes a look at Labour’s plans for the 'everyday economy'.
4 Aug 2023
Risky Business: how should companies act on the National Risk Register?
Lawrence Dore and Beatrix Lohn examine the implications of the National Risk Register for UK corporates and their communications preparedness.
5 Jul 2023
Going to extremes: can regulation protect charities from abuse?
Charities have found themselves at the heart of a regulatory debate over extremism and free speech, writes Jon McLeod.
3 Jul 2023
DRD ranked in Tier 1 in Chambers & Partners 2023 rankings
DRD Partnership has been ranked as a leading firm for both Litigation Support and Crisis and Risk Management by Chambers and Partners.
12 Jun 2023
Financial institutions face challenges to ESG investment credentials
Financial institutions should brace for a surge in challenges to their green investment credentials, argues Beatrix Lohn.
1 Jun 2023
Skeletons in the closet? Communicating supply chains in the activist world
Corporate reputations are increasingly exposed to threats that emerge from businesses’ supply chains coming under the public spotlight. DRD looks at how the use of strategic communications can help corporates pivot from fighting shy of discussing their supply chains towards taking ownership and gaining credibility.
19 May 2023
New report – Labour’s ambitions for competition
DRD Partnership’s specialist competition and regulation team has produced a report which provides a detailed look at what a Labour Government would do to the UK’s anti-trust and regulatory regimes, and what this could mean for businesses and the UK economy.
17 May 2023
Who’s watching the watchmen?
In this article, first published in this week’s ThoughtLeaders4 Competition journal, DRD’s Ed Bowie examines whether competition authorities have the right focus.
9 May 2023
Change or more of the same?
The 2023 local election results are unanimous about three things, uncertain about one, and have led commentators to ask a familiar, but misguided, question. DRD Partner, Pete Bowyer, attempts to answer the right one.
8 May 2023
Regulator “wrong to block” Microsoft deal – poll
A new poll says the balance of public opinion is that the UK's Competition and Markets Authority was wrong to block Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
28 Apr 2023
The devil is in the detail of gambling reform
Ministers have raised the stakes for the gambling industry in their new White Paper, writes DRD Senior Adviser, Steve Myers.
18 Apr 2023
Five years’ porridge for delivering a pizza: National Security Bill still causes concern
DRD Partner, Jon McLeod, reports on the far-reaching provisions of the National Security Bill’s Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS).
31 Mar 2023
Three dimensions of cross-jurisdictional fraud
DRD Partnership was delighted to co-host a panel discussion with the Female Fraud Forum. The event looked at the 3 dimensions of cross-jurisdictional fraud, focusing on how journalists, lawyers and communications professionals deal with high-stakes international cases.
29 Mar 2023
DRD and Green Park host Labour roundtable on Women and Equalities
DRD Partnership and global talent advisory, Green Park, were pleased to host Labour Peer, Baroness Thornton, Shadow Spokesperson for Women and Equalities at a breakfast roundtable.
23 Mar 2023
Avoiding a “SLAPP down”
DRD examines the growing debate around Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and how clients can ensure the pursuit of legal remedies doesn’t land their reputation in hot water.
14 Mar 2023
DRD hosts Labour roundtable on sports, media and culture
DRD Partnership was pleased to host Labour Frontbench Peer, Lord Bassam of Brighton, Shadow Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, Energy and Net Zero and Science Innovation and Technology at a roundtable policy dialogue.
10 Mar 2023
A Budget to frame #GE2024
A General Election is coming, and DRD believe Budget 2023 will show us all what’s in store.
6 Mar 2023
Chips with Everything
In this new report, DRD’s Ed Bowie examines how better policy coordination and the relaxation of competition controls could help resolve global chip shortages.
21 Feb 2023
Labour means business, pledges shadow minister
DRD was delighted to host Bill Esterson MP, Labour’s shadow minister for business and industry, at a roundtable with leading businesses and organisations this morning.
14 Feb 2023
Shareholder activism: harder, better, faster, stronger
Today’s activist shareholders come prepared with bold claims and sophisticated communications strategies. Viktor Koleda writes about steps that corporates can take to prepare for potential challenges.
7 Feb 2023
Schools set to remain on cyber alert
Schools are braced for a fresh cyber onslaught after a bruising past year, say Kate Miller and Iona Cross.
30 Jan 2023
Starmer’s business: Labour prepares its path to power
The Labour Party is taking measured and deliberate steps to warm business to its economic thinking, says DRD Senior Analyst Toby Chapman.
25 Jan 2023
The race to regulate begins. How will Web3 respond?
At the recent London Blockchain Summit, industry insiders appeared to recognise that government regulation is imminent, and that it may unlock further opportunities for the mass adoption of the technology.
3 Jan 2023
A slow reveal: the National Security and Investment Act one year on
With the National Security and Investment Act being in force for one year from tomorrow, in this blog DRD’s Claire Harris and Ed Bowie examine the inherent tension it exposes. How does it protect national security just when we need investment and growth the most?
17 Nov 2022
“Credibility cannot be taken for granted” – The political implications of the Autumn Statement
In today’s Autumn Statement the Chancellor of the Exchequer struck a serious, sobering tone, announcing tax rises for millions and aiming to undo the reputational damage done by last month’s ‘mini-Budget’. DRD Senior Analyst and former Treasury official Toby Chapman examines the political implications of the statement for both the Government and the Opposition.
3 Nov 2022
DRD hosts roundtable on business and industry
DRD Partnership was pleased to host Labour MP Seema Malhotra, Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers, at a private roundtable this morning in London.
11 Oct 2022
Hand in glove? Public affairs and public law
Ed Bowie of DRD Partnership and Gordon Nardell KC of Twenty Essex describe how public affairs and public law can best combine to get Ministers to rethink controversial plans.
27 Sep 2022
DRD hosts roundtable on science and innovation
DRD Partnership was pleased to host Labour MP, Chi Onwurah, Shadow Minister for Science, Research & Innovation, at a private business breakfast roundtable this morning at the Labour conference.
11 Aug 2022
Michael Rose joins DRD
DRD Partnership is delighted to welcome Michael Rose as a Senior Associate, joining our growing Litigation and Crisis team.
4 Aug 2022
Fighting Europe’s competition powerplay
How can corporates push back against recent moves by the European competition authorities to extend its powers to intervene in mergers?
28 Jul 2022
Dismay at Europe’s anti-trust land-grab
The European Commission has had its powers to muscle in on mergers confirmed, to widespread wailing and gnashing of teeth.
25 Jul 2022
Conservative Leadership Election 2022
New report highlights the differences between the candidates for Leader of the Conservative Party.
15 Jul 2022
ESG & Litigation: Where will greenwashing go now?
In this article, DRD Partner, Lawrence Dore, discusses the ways in which ESG might develop in an atmosphere of increasingly rigorous monitoring.
4 Jul 2022
Prising Open the Black Box
Six months since its inception, today DRD Partnership publishes its analysis of how the National Security and Investment Act has been working.
20 Jun 2022
The House Always Wins
The Private Members’ Bills for the 2022-23 Parliamentary session have now been tabled. DRD Senior Analyst, Toby Chapman, examines how they work, and what the ballot winners might hope to achieve.
7 Jun 2022
Policy continues despite politics
Detailed policy with real regulatory impact will continue to progress without regard for political drama. In this blog, Ed Bowie looks at the need for business to stay focused despite the political noise.
1 Jun 2022
The Procurement Bill: UK SMEs free from red tape?
DRD Partnership has published a report on the Procurement Bill. DRD Analyst Natasha Kennedy looks at whether the expectations of the Bill to establish a new post-Brexit chapter for UK businesses will be realised.
27 May 2022
Up next on Channel 4 – the Media Bill
Announced in this year’s Queen’s Speech, the Media Bill legislates for Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries’ plans to privatise Channel 4. DRD’s Samuel Piña draws out what political and regulatory implications the Bill might have.
12 May 2022
A super-sized Queen’s Speech
On the 10th May, Prince Charles announced a super-sized 'Queen's' Speech containing 38 Bills. In this blog, DRD Partner, Pete Bowyer, looks at what this will mean for Government this year.
4 May 2022
The national impact of the local elections
DRD Partnership’s Rhys Barnes takes a look at the local elections and what the results might mean for both major parties.
22 Apr 2022
Ukraine and its impact on anti-trust policy
As the war in Ukraine rages on, and continues to present new dangers for global resources and supply chains, DRD considers the consequences on competition law and the possible policy responses that governments could deploy.
14 Apr 2022
Bills face squeeze as Johnson seeks reboot
DRD Partnership has published an exclusive briefing note on the key Bills expected to be in the Queen’s Speech and offering political analysis on each of the main department’s proposed legislative plans.
8 Apr 2022
Take back (subsidy) control?: State aid after Brexit
As the Government prepares to carry the Subsidy Control Bill over to the next session of Parliament, Toby Chapman takes stock of its goals, implications, and potential challenges.
6 Apr 2022
Teach First Leadership Conference
DRD was delighted to attend the Teach First Leadership Conference with Mishcon de Reya, where together they led two sessions on crisis management.
28 Mar 2022
Do anti-trust rules prevent firms cutting carbon?
Driven by the need to reduce their carbon impact, and the rise of ESG metrics in their reporting, businesses are increasingly hitting competition law roadblocks when working to deliver on their sustainability promises. Who’s to blame, asks DRD Associate, Ed Bowie?
24 Mar 2022
Online safety law set to bind Big Tech
What is the Online Safety Bill and how will it change the future of tech regulation? In this blog, Samuel Piña takes a dive into how the Government’s solution to the growing issue of online regulation is shaping future policy in the sector.
21 Mar 2022
Squeeze means no spring in Sunak’s step
With political and economic constraints closing in, DRD looks at how potential announcements in the Spring Statement could see the Chancellor navigate the crises of the coming months, or show him beginning to lose his balance...
16 Mar 2022
Top judge warns over ‘PRing’ rulings
Jon McLeod and Yasmin Abubeker report on a case with clear implications for lawyers and PR professionals engaged in publicising the outcome of cases.
7 Mar 2022
The Online Safety Bill
Preventing early exposure to harmful materials and abuse in the age of Everyone’s Invited.
1 Mar 2022
Claire Harris joins DRD
DRD is delighted to welcome Claire Harris as a Senior Adviser. Claire is a Competition expert and solicitor, and joins DRD's growing Competition & Antitrust Team. Claire is a competition expert and a solicitor, with experience in senior roles at several international law firms and competition regulators.
22 Feb 2022
Open for Business? The case for the defence…
The Government’s 2021 Defence and Security Industrial Strategy looks to position the defence sector in the middle of the UK's post-Brexit shop window. However, many in the Government are wondering if, when it comes to defence, they are opening the shop door a little too wide…
17 Feb 2022
Clouds on the horizon
The cloud computing industry is under increasing scrutiny from anti-trust regulators. Recent investigations did not bring immediate results, but they signalled the start of a gradual shift towards more thorough, intersectional examination by authorities...
9 Feb 2022
Drums from the hills
The UK’s competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), began a market study into music and streaming services at the end of January. Are we about to witness major changes to the way the music industry works in this country?
4 Feb 2022
Getting Down to Levelling Up
At last, the Government have delivered the Levelling Up White Paper – 400 pages of plans and promises with much of the substance still to come. But what does the White Paper contain and what does it mean for the Government going forward?
20 Jan 2022
CMA airs the fashion industry’s dirty laundry
2022 has started with the fashion industry’s dirty laundry being aired, after the CMA announced a review of environmental claims in the sector. In this blog, DRD Associate, Ed Bowie, analyses what the review means for the sector and what it says about the CMA's focus going forward.
14 Jan 2022
Appointed Representatives face rules squeeze
An established feature of the UK financial services sector faces important reforms, say Jon McLeod and Iona Cross.
4 Jan 2022
The National Security and Investment Act
The New Year heralds the Business Secretary’s unprecedented new powers over corporate deal-making. Here, we rate the political risks of deal-making under the new regime.
17 Dec 2021
Gove will tear us apart, again
With Parliament entering recess yesterday, DRD Partner Jon McLeod looks to the year ahead and asks - will 2022 see the fracturing of the United Kingdom?
3 Dec 2021
Levelling Up – a title without a policy (yet)?
Clemency Huggins and Ed Bowie take a look at how the Government and Opposition are approaching Levelling Up
2 Dec 2021
Online Sales Tax Report
New report highlights the ‘devil in the detail’ of the proposed Online Sales Tax.
19 Nov 2021
Terrorism: Moving Past The Blast
Harry Barber takes a look at the steps which the U.K. government can take following the explosion at Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Remembrance Sunday.
5 Nov 2021
A Fair COP?
Pete Bowyer takes a look at the chances of success of COP26
22 Oct 2021
To tax or not to tax?
Autumn budget and spending review 2021
19 Oct 2021
Digital Markets Unit: UK tech uncertainty
DRD Associate, Edward Bowie, reviews where the new Digital Markets Unit fits into the wider regulatory landscape.
14 Oct 2021
CITMA: Reputation, resolution and revolution
Claire Davidson hosted: “Managing reputations in the world of IP – why it matters”.
12 Oct 2021
BRLA, Dentons & DRD: Reputation on trial
DRD co-organised a seminar with international law firm, Dentons, and the BRLA.
4 Oct 2021
Subsidy Control Bill Impacts Devolved Nations
The post-Brexit framework for the UK’s State Aid regime has serious implications for the devolved administrations.
1 Oct 2021
How will Boris lead in these difficult times?
After last week’s preview of the Labour Party Conference, DRD takes a look at what might be in store for the Conservatives next week.
24 Sep 2021
Labour still struggling with key messages
DRD Partner, Jon Mcleod assesses Labour's problem with distinguishing between words and effectively communicating with the electorate.
3 Sep 2021
The Afghan Crisis and Domestic Politics
DRD looks at how the fortunes of the Tories have changed over the Summer and considers how the Afghan crisis impacts domestic politics.
24 Aug 2021
Subsidy Control Bill Published
The Government has published its Subsidy Control Bill, outlining the UK’s new State Aid regime. DRD take a look at the details.
23 Jul 2021
Parliament’s End of Term Report
DRD assesses the state of play as Parliament goes into recess & explains how, after years of disruption, one Party looks like it’s settling..
16 Jul 2021
Divided Unite
DRD takes an in-depth look at this year’s forgotten, but critical, election for the new General Secretary which declares on 26 August.
14 Jul 2021
Podcast: Education in a Digital Age
In this podcast DRD Partner Kate Miller and Robert Lewis, Head of the Education Group at Mishcon de Reya, discuss the challenges facing schools in managing communications.
7 Jul 2021
Global Britain: Notes from G7
DRD Partnership's Tamlin Vickers and Anna Bailey reflect on the lessons and key takeaways from the recent G7 summit.
7 Jul 2021
ESG & litigation: a rising reputational risk
The fast-growing rise of ESG has led to an increase in corporate litigation risk. DRD explores the issue and how to manage the risk it brings.
6 Jul 2021
Lessons from Everyone’s Invited
We advise a number of schools and institutions. Here we look at some of the communications learnings following Everyone’s Invited.
2 Jul 2021
Taking stock of the EU’s Covid recovery fund
Tamlin Vickers looks at the EU Covid Recovery Fund as they try to rebuild some of the credibility lost by a sluggish response to the pandemic.
25 Jun 2021
Brexit 5 years on…
Five years after the British public voted to leave the EU, Pete Bowyer explores how Brexit has changed the political map.
24 Jun 2021
Chambers & Partners Rankings Published
DRD Partnership has been ranked leading firm in both Litigation Support and Crisis by Chambers and Partners
23 Jun 2021
Communications in collective actions
We look at the implications of recent and potential developments in class actions from the communications perspective in the UK and Europe.
11 Jun 2021
ESG beyond G7
As world leaders from the G7 meet in Cornwall, UK over this weekend, Anna Bailey looks at what’s in store for corporates on the ESG front.
10 Jun 2021
Scandal at the Post Office
DRD Partnership was invited to attend a discussion and analysis on the Post Office Horizon scandal, by one of the leading barristers in the case.
20 May 2021
Levelling-Up & Post-pandemic priorities
Ed Bowie explores what the Government needs to do to deliver results for local communities and how Levelling Up can be more than a slogan.
7 May 2021
Time for Labour to get on the front foot
Ahead of the Queen’s speech next week, and in the aftermath of “Super Thursday”, Jon McLeod, joining DRD as a Partner in July 2021, makes the case that Labour needs a response that finally sets pulses racing.
23 Apr 2021
Local Elections 2021
As the 2021 local elections draw closer, Sam takes a look at what they might have in store for the main parties...
20 Apr 2021
Competition Law & The European Super League
The proposal of a new European Super League - DRD Partners consider whether competition law may be used to block the move...
26 Mar 2021
Vaccines: a European perspective
Tensions over vaccines, specifically AstraZeneca, in Europe remains high but is it really all political? DRD Partner in Brussels, Tamlin Vickers, shares his views.
12 Mar 2021
Is it all doom & gloom for Sir Keir Starmer?
Local elections are coming up. They will be a testbed of national sentiment for all politicians, but particularly Sir Keir Starmer...
26 Feb 2021
The secret to a great economy? Timing.
Toby Chapman takes a look at what might be in store in the upcoming Budget, the challenges for Rishi Sunak and the economy.
18 Feb 2021
Stick to the facts
Read how to navigate this year's challenges , including regulatory pressures, Brexit and Covid from Lawrence Dore. Hint: Stick to the facts !
18 Feb 2021
Questions for Ambassador Stefano Cacciaguerra Ranghieri
In a world in ‘lockdown’, and with diplomacy rocked to the core, what role now for government diplomats? Ambassador Ranghieri responds
18 Feb 2021
DRD Guide to ESG: What you need to know
Reporting standards and principles, and the Basics of ESG Terminology - Read DRD's very own guide to ESG written by Analyst, Viktor Koleda!
27 Jan 2021
Regulatory over-reach in Gambling
Pete Bowyer, DRD Partner, investigates and addresses the root causes of regulatory over-reach with respect to the Gambling industry.
22 Jan 2021
Biden’s monumental challenge
A former Congressional fellow, looks at some of his challenges ahead and what Biden ’s US Presidency may herald for UK - US relations.
15 Jan 2021
Labour troubles – key challenges for Starmer
DRD Partner and former Labour adviser, Pete Bowyer takes a look at the key challenges and opportunities for Sir Keir Starmer through 2021.
8 Jan 2021
Choppy waters ahead, Prime Minister
We're looking at the issues the main parties will face in 2021 and outline challenges for the UK Prime Minister and the Conservative Party.
11 Dec 2020
Brexit: Talk is not cheap
Tamlin Vickers, Partner in Brussels, provides an update into what’s really going on in the ongoing Brexit negotiations.
8 Dec 2020
ESG Regulation and the pandemic effect
What effect is the pandemic going to have on legislative commitments to encourage further flow of capital towards greener assets?
2 Dec 2020
Jumping on the ESG bandwagon
Whilst Covid-19 ravaged the economy one of the silver linings has been the continued rise of ESG which has moved permanently...
2 Dec 2020
Are Boards behind the curve on ESG?
Accelerated by Covid, sustainability, and the ESG factors that describe it, has moved from the margins to the mainstream.
2 Dec 2020
Power to your people
People can be your biggest asset, or your biggest cynics, when it comes to your ESG work. They can provide the best ideas for your efforts.
2 Dec 2020
Communicating ESG to the media
Any business hoping to amplify their ESG strategies must be aware that an announcement does not complete the job but sets out an agenda for media scrutiny..
13 Nov 2020
Shifting sands – hopes and fears for a new climate agreement
Pete Bowyer, a veteran of four COPs and a spokesman on climate justice issues discusses the hopes and fears for a new climate agreement.
30 Oct 2020
US Election 2020: “You’re fired”, probably…
DRD Partner, Duncan Fulton, takes a look at the presidential candidates in the week running up to the 2020 US election - “You’re fired”, probably…
23 Oct 2020
School Meals: No.10 fails the comms test again
Samantha Beggs takes a look at the Government’s handling of the free school meals debate and considers how No.10 could have handled their comms better
8 Oct 2020
Trust me, I’m a hacker – the threat of ransomware
Kate Miller and Geordie Hazeel examine the evolving threat of ransomware in the midst of Covid-19, and its significant communications challenges.
6 Oct 2020
The final stretch for a Brexit deal?
As Brexit rumbles on, Johnson insists that a deal must be struck by mid-October, while the EU insists that a deal must be struck by the end of October.
6 Oct 2020
Permanent Secretaries & the Civil Service Reform
There's another deep current of change in British politics that shouldn’t escape our attention. Read about the Civil Service reform from Duncan Fulton here.
25 Sep 2020
Revenge of the nerds
With every scientist becoming an armchair politician, and every politician becoming an armchair scientist, how do we know who to believe?
18 Sep 2020
What is the point of the Lib Dems?
Ross Ewing takes a look at Sir Ed Davey’s first few weeks as leader of the Lib Dems and considers how he will place the party ahead of the next GE.
11 Sep 2020
Kier Starmer: So far, so good… but what next?
Part two of our series on how the party leaders are faring as Parliament returns from recess.
4 Sep 2020
Conservatives perform well but provide scant detail
As the Government returns from Recess – and schools across England and Wales return - DRD Partner Paul Barnes discusses their performance so far and what improvements are needed…
26 Aug 2020
Lessons from Down Under: A warning of what’s to come?
Ross Ewing investigates the debate in AUS on class actions and litigation funding and considers how the same argument could soon be happening in the UK.
17 Jul 2020
EU-UK negotiations – View from Brussels and London
DRD Partners take a 360° look at the view on the EU-UK negotiations on a future trade deal from Brussels and London ahead of next week's discussions.
10 Jul 2020
Stormbreaker?
Stormbreaker? DRD Analyst Bella Soames looks at the Chancellor’s announcements this week, the response to them, and what comes next.
10 Jul 2020
Data Security Breaches – Farrer & Co.
DRD Partner, Kate Miller took part in Farrer & Co.’s event to consider how family offices and intermediaries should deal with data security breaches.
9 Jul 2020
Carpe Diem: House of Lords’ Gambling Harm Report
Steven Myers has written on the potential implications of the recent House of Lords report on gambling and what this could mean for legislative change.
6 Jul 2020
ESG – Covid cure-all or emperors new clothes?
The ESG ‘movement’ had been gathering pace well before the Covid-19 outbreak, driven by increased investor scrutiny and an acknowledgement...
6 Jul 2020
The rise of class actions
Aided by technology and the ease of identifying affected groups, class actions are becoming an accepted part of the UK litigation landscape.
6 Jul 2020
Great expectations
As we emerge from “our national hibernation”, blinking into the light, we are welcomed by a scene ever more challenging and fluid for reputation management.
3 Jul 2020
A Critical juncture for Government
Pete Bowyer explores why this weekend is a critical juncture for the Government, and how the Prime Minister will try to use this as an opportunity. Is it a position of maximum opportunity or maximum danger?
26 Jun 2020
No news is good news… right?
Fflur Sheppard looks at the impact of the Downing Street Covid-19 press conferences, which ended this week – and ponders what news might come next.
22 Jun 2020
PRCA: Covid-19 and Law firm communications
On 18 June 2020, DRD Co-Founding Partner, Claire Davidson took part in the PRCA’s event on ‘Law firm communications and the Covid-19 crisis’.
19 Jun 2020
Coming to Boris’s Aid
Snapshot was given unique access* to this week’s No10 ‘Grid’ meeting, the gathering of spinners who pretend to come to Boris's aid.
12 Jun 2020
Two metre, or not two metre – amongst other questions
Ross Ewing looks at the pressing issues facing the government over the next few months and what choices will need to be made on the road to recovery.
3 Jun 2020
Which countries will top the league post-COVID 19?
DRD Advisor, David Landsman, looks at the criteria and "branding" for countries to come out of the pandemic on top.
29 May 2020
Cummings’ Cock-Up: Classic Dom!
DRD Analyst Bella Soames asks what the long-term consequences of Dominic Cummings’ ill-advised trip to Barnard Castle will be for the Government.
22 May 2020
Getting out into the world after lockdown
Read DRD Partners, Duncan Fulton and David Landsman, asess how we can wereboot international relations after the end of the global lockdown.
15 May 2020
Returning to work – Between Scylla and Charybdis
As lockdown eases, companies must strike a complex balance between returning to work and protecting staff safety. DRD examines the latest announcements.
7 May 2020
Lockdown Roadmap: More unenviable choices
With the PM set to announce an exit strategy on Sunday, Duncan Fulton discusses the reputational challenges Covid-19 poses to businesses.
5 May 2020
Litigation in the wake of COVID-19
Lawrence Dore and Kate Miller examine whether the challenges to reputation posed by COVID-19 will be enough to hold back a rising tide of legal action.
1 May 2020
Stakes are high for the future of gambling
DRD Analyst, Ross Ewing takes a look at the future of gambling. The gambling industry in the UK is poised for change.
24 Apr 2020
The view from Brussels: What does Covid-19 mean for Brexit?
DRD's Partner in Brussels, Tamlin Vickers takes a look at the state and future of Brexit negotiations in light of the current healthcare situation.
17 Apr 2020
Coronaviolence
Will Covid-19 provide an impetus for the Government to tackle domestic abuse? Read more on this by DRD Analyst, Bella Soames, by clicking here.
6 Apr 2020
Crisis: The kaleidoscope has been shaken
A manual will tell you that a critical first step in a crisis is to define it. But that is far easier said than done.
6 Apr 2020
Think big to exit crisis stronger
Today, almost every business has become to some extent dependent on the Government. How will we be able to get out of this crisis? The answer is: think big.
6 Apr 2020
Public affairs in unprecedented times
The government has provided an unprecedented raft of support packages to support business at this time. Many individual sectors need to go beyond these.
6 Apr 2020
Court on camera
Our court system, with all its antiquated charm, has been at the forefront of this push, fast-tracked into embracing the new normal.
6 Apr 2020
ESG: each letter counts
ESG and its role as a key determinant of corporate behaviour will certainly be accelerated by this crisis. Read more by clicking here.
3 Apr 2020
Starming to victory
Starming to victory: how Sir Keir needs to make the most of his moment.
27 Mar 2020
COVID: Communicating the crisis
We won’t be offering our ‘hot-take’ on the Government’s Covid-19 strategy but we will share some thoughts on how the Government is communicating the crisis.
20 Mar 2020
Biden his time
John Casey, a former press secretary for a Democratic Member of Congress, takes a look at what a potential Joe Biden Presidency may mean for the UK
18 Mar 2020
Managing challenge & change in a pandemic
We’ll be closely following policy, regulatory and legal developments to help you understand what it means for your businesses or that of your clients.
6 Mar 2020
Is it time to bring back the feel-good factor?
Is it time to bring back the feel-good factor? Read our latest public affairs blog post written by DRD Partner, Pete Bowyer.
2 Mar 2020
The view from Brussels: Johnson’s French problem
DRD's Partner in Brussels, Tamlin Vickers, shares his views on the EU and UK trade negotiations, with a special focus on 'the French problem'.
2 Mar 2020
Your guide to the integrated Defence and Security Review
DRD Partner Duncan Fulton's piece about the integrated Defence and Security Review.The review is the most ambitious since the end of the Cold War.
24 Feb 2020
Labour Leadership Election
DRD shares his views on the fast approaching Labour leadership election. Read more about the one member, one vote, and one mission here.
17 Feb 2020
Restructure or reshuffle? Part 2
Restructure or reshuffle? Many expected to wake up on Valentine’s Day to a new Cabinet, an overhauled Civil Service and a conglomerate of departments.
10 Feb 2020
Restructure or reshuffle? Part 1
Mr Johnson will stamp his authority on his government and provide a glimpse into the future of his premiership when he reshuffle s his ministers this week.
5 Feb 2020
Power to the People – are we all diplomats now?
DRD Partner Duncan Fulton writes in the February edition of DIPLOMAT magazine. 2020 was supposed to be the year when everything was changed, wasn’t it?
3 Feb 2020
Decision on the future of HS2 imminent
A decision on HS2 ’s future is imminent.Transport Secretary confirmed that the Gov could make an announcement as early as this week.
27 Jan 2020
End of an Era/Error?
End of an era/error? “We are inextricably part of Europe. Neither Mr Foot nor Mr Benn nor anyone else will ever be able to take us out of Europe.”
20 Jan 2020
Davos: Going for Green
Britain has a good story to tell on action to tackle climate change and is looking to position itself as an international leader on this green issue.
13 Jan 2020
The Labour leadership election
Moving slowly through the gears: the Labour leadership election reaches its next stage.
6 Jan 2020
Taking aim – what’s in the crosshairs for 2020?
2020 promises to be another year of increased scrutiny from investors and a year when employee as well as consumer considerations come to the fore.
6 Jan 2020
Mind the perception gap
New expectations won’t be set by regulators or governments but by the mobilisation of public opinion. This perception gap is the space in which reputations can be made or ruined.
6 Jan 2020
A 2020 political snapshot
After one of the most turbulent years in modern British politics, it’s a safe bet that 2020 will not be such a political drama.
10 Dec 2019
Welcoming the DUDE!
Welcoming the DUDE! Our consulting partner, Duncan Fulton, has prepared the following six thoughts about Boris Johnson and his future Premiership.
10 Dec 2019
Labour Party Conference: Triumph and Disaster
Triumph and disaster - Pete Bowyer, Partner at DRD Partnership and a member Labour for over 30 years, shares his insights about the Labour Party Conference.
9 Dec 2019
General Election 2019: They think it’s all over…
DRD Partner, Pete Bowyer's view in the final week running up to the general election. Expect a comfortable Conservative victory, possibly even a landslide.
2 Dec 2019
Is Nationalism on the rise?
DRD Associate Samantha Beggs investigates whether nationalism is on the rise and what impact it might have in the General Election.
27 Nov 2019
A 2.5 party system for 3.5 countries?
Will the 2019 General Election be the death of the two-party system?
26 Nov 2019
What does AI mean for lawyers?
DRD's Antonia Kendrick, explores the legal sector’s technological revolution, and asks what the rise of AI means for lawyers.
25 Nov 2019
Where in the world…On foreign policy
DRD partner Duncan Fulton assesses the foreign policy offerings of the three main parties, and the ramifications of these for the UK’s global standing.
18 Nov 2019
Just how right wing would a new Johnson government be?
DRD Partner Paul Barnes assesses just how “right-wing” this Conservative party has become and will be if elected in the 2019 General Election.
18 Nov 2019
Newsnight at the Palace
DRD Partnership's take on Prince Andrew's interesting decision to be interviewed by the BBC Newsnight at the Palace this weekend.
18 Nov 2019
My Life My Say: Common Futures Forum
On Saturday 16 November, hundreds of young people convened at the old Olympic Park in East London to take part in My Life My Say’s second annual Common Futures Forum.
11 Nov 2019
6 reasons why Labour could still win (and 6 reasons why they won’t)
DRD's Pete Bowyer investigates the six reasons why Labour could still win and the six reasons why they won’t, in the upcoming General Election.
25 Oct 2019
Roundtable Discussion with Sir Vince Cable MP
DRD Partnership’s roundtable breakfast discussion with Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable MP, hosted by leading international law firm, Travers Smith.
23 Oct 2019
Crisis communication for schools
DRD provide strategic and practical advice to attendees at a breakfast seminar on crisis communication for schools.
3 Oct 2019
A Conference of Two Halves
Samantha Beggs is an Associate at DRD Partnership in London, looks at the Conservative Party Conference, or at a conference of two halves.
27 Sep 2019
Brexit: Optimism evaporating
Tamlin Vickers, Partner at DRD Partnership in Brussels, looks at the current mood in Brussels where optimism is evaporating.
19 Sep 2019
Brexit: The View from Brussels
Tamlin Vickers, Partner at DRD Partnership, shares the view from Brussels on the outlook of Brexit in the European Union capital.
19 Sep 2019
Public Affairs & The Law
Pete Bowyer, Partner at DRD Partnership in London, assesses the intertwined relationship between public affairs and the law.
27 Aug 2019
What will become of the Union after Brexit?
Samantha Beggs, Associate at DRD Partnership in London, looks at the Awesome Foursome, or what will become of the Union after Brexit.
7 Aug 2019
Damn and Blaster: Boris 14 days in
Damn and blaster - DRD Consulting Partners, Duncan Fulton and Tamlin Vickers, share thoughts from either end of the Euro Tunnel.
25 Jun 2019
The Race to be Prime Minister
Samantha Beggs, Associate at DRD Partnership, looks at the race to be Prime Minister in the Conservative leadership contest.
3 Jun 2019
The aftermath of the European Elections
As MPs return to Parliament after the Spring recess for Mrs May’s last week as Leader, the ramifications of the European Elections results loom large.
7 May 2019
Cyber Security – A business issue
On Tuesday 7th May 2019, Claire Davidson, Partner at DRD Partnership, spoke on the panel of a Cyber security event hosted by Pinsent Masons LLP.
25 Apr 2019
DRD breakfast roundtable: Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party
DRD breakfast roundtable: An insight into Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party and their plans for Government.
29 Jan 2019
15 Nov 2018
Stuck in the middle with the EU Referendum?
With the imminent collapse of the Withdrawal Agreement, the clamour for a second EU referendum, a so-called People’s Vote grows unabated. It may be popular, it may even be preferable, but is it practicable? Pete Bowyer of DRD Partnership investigates…
14 Nov 2018
DRD breakfast event: Business & Brexit
Early in the morning of a day which saw tumultuous events set in train, DRD Partnership hosted a breakfast panel on Brexit at the Cinnamon Club in London.
5 Oct 2018
Reflections on the Conservative Party Conference 2018
DRD's reflections on the Conservative Party Conference in 2018. It was the best of conferences, it was the worst of conferences.
27 Jun 2018
Breakfast briefing: digital activism
DRD took part in Social360's breakfast briefing panel discussing how digital activism works.
13 Jun 2018
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