Lovells

Lovells was approached by the Humanitarian Assistance Unit of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in 2007 to assist in a pro bono capacity with an initiative seeking to provide compensation to British citizens injured by terrorist attacks outside the UK.  Over the past three years, Lovells – as part of a working party – has considered in close consultation with interested parties, victims and their representatives, the insurance industry and legislators ways to improve the position of British citizens injured overseas in acts of terrorism.  

Chris Hill, senior associate in Lovells’ insurance and reinsurance disputes practice, said:         

“We are delighted that the Ministry of Justice has now announced that British victims of terror attacks overseas will be eligible for compensation.  This will be made possible through an extension of the current system.  The introduction of the Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme, as part of the Crime and Security Bill, in Parliament this week is a major step in ensuring that victims of terrorist attacks in foreign countries receive a sufficiently strong platform of support.  

"Before this announcement there was a discrepancy between the treatment of British victims of terrorism injured here and those injured outside the UK.  We are pleased that the government has recognised the need to close this gap.  The statutory scheme will provide much needed relief to British victims of future terrorist attacks as well as providing some compensation towards the loss suffered by those seriously injured in terrorist attacks since 2002."

About Lovells  

With over 3,000 people operating from 28 offices in Asia and the Middle East, Europe and the United States, Lovells is one of the world's leading international law firms.    From 1 May 2010, Lovells LLP and Hogan & Hartson LLP will combine to form Hogan Lovells. The combination is subject to the firms obtaining the necessary regulatory clearances. For more information about Lovells, visit www.lovells.com Lovells (the "firm") is an international legal practice comprising Lovells LLP and its affiliated businesses.  Lovells LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC323639.  Registered office and principal place of business: Atlantic House, Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2FG. 

The word "partner" is used to refer to a member of Lovells LLP, or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications, and to a partner, member, employee or consultant in any of its affiliated businesses who has equivalent standing.  

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