Al Attiya v Bin-Jassim Bin-Jaber Al Thani

The High Court (Blake J) has granted an application to challenge the English Court’s jurisdiction on grounds of state and diplomatic immunity. The decision deals with the extent of the principle of indirect interpleader; the effect of executive certificates under s. 4 of the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964; the extent to which the Court can properly examine a diplomat’s activities; and the principle that the executive and judicial branches of government should speak with one voice on matters of foreign affairs.
 
Lord Pannick QC, Monica Carss-Frisk QC, Adam Baradon, and Andrew Scott (instructed by Macfarlanes) acted for the applicant.
 
Thomas de la Mare QC and Tom Hickman (instructed by Imran Khan & Partners) acted for the respondent.