Case Study

Chris and Asha allege that they were subjected to bullying in the workplace while employed at Wessex Fashion Group plc ('WFG') by the well-known boss of WFG, Pierre Black. The allegations were investigated, and a settlement reached on the basis that Chris and Asha entered confidentiality agreements, under which they would not make any information relating to their allegations public.

The Daily News has been investigating the

activities of Wessex Fashion Group plc and now plans

to publish a report which includes details of the allegations made by Chris and

Asha. They notify WFG of their intention and Pierre Black commences

court proceedings, asserting that to publish these details would breach the

law. As part of the court proceedings, Pierre

Black obtains an injunction which prevents him being named in the media whilst

the court proceedings are ongoing.

Sylvia Day MP attends a debate on employment rights in the House

of Commons. During the debate she texts her colleague, Bruce Pulpit MP, saying

that she knows that court proceedings are being brought by Pierre Black and

daring Bruce to name him. Bruce then stands up

and names Pierre Black as the boss of the fashion house at the heart of the

bullying scandal.

Fiona Goodright MP is a good friend of Pierre Black. She is

outraged that her friend has been publicly named and tells Bruce Pulpit to

retract his statement. Bruce refuses and a scuffle breaks out,

during which Fiona punches Bruce giving him a broken nose. The police arrive

and arrest Fiona for assault. She objects to being arrested on the basis that

it breaches Parliamentary privilege.

The next day Pierre Black instructs his

solicitors to begin defamation proceedings against Bruce and Sylvia.

Consider

to what extent Parliamentary privilege would apply to these facts.