Disputes Quick Read: Breaking the north/south divide?

When the UK Supreme Court announced that it will be sitting in Manchester during March 2023, the President of the Supreme Court, Lord Reed said: 

 "I am delighted that the Supreme Court will be sitting in Manchester [this] Spring. My colleagues and I strongly believe that the experience of attending a court hearing in person should not be limited to those able to get to London."

The court, which is the final court of appeal for all civil cases, and for criminal cases originating in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, sat at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre between 6 - 9 March 2023. The sitting in Manchester was the first time the court, which usually sits in central London, has ever sat outside one of the four UK capital cities. 

The Justices presided over three cases, including the well documented Manchester Ship Company Ltd v United Utilities Water Ltd, a two-day appeal about whether Manchester Ship Canal Company Limited can bring a private law claim in nuisance and/or trespass against United Utilities Water Limited (UU) in respect of unauthorised discharges of untreated foul water by UU into the canal.

The Supreme Court's decision to sit in the North West could prove to be the catalyst for further visits by the Supreme Court to the North, with Business and Property Courts District Registries situated in Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle, as well as Manchester. In demonstrating a commitment to the use of regional courts, Lord Reed commented: "We have previously sat in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and I am very pleased that people in Manchester and across the North West will have the opportunity to see the Court in operation locally. 

Outside of the sittings, the Justices also took part in a range of activities to inspire and engage students and the legal profession. It is clear that the Supreme Court's decision to sit in the North West is a recognition of the strength of the profession in the region. 

The Supreme Court's visit was deemed a great success, with the Manchester Civil Justice Centre welcoming almost 3,400 visitors between 6 - 9 March 2023. Commenting on the visit, Lord Reed said: "The Supreme Court's sitting Manchester was a great success. This was our first sitting outside a UK capital city and I'm delighted that so many people in the north-west came to see the court in action and engaged with our work."

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