UK class actions worth £135bn but landmark losses raises questions over regime

The UK class action landscape is booming, with total case values exceeding £135bn in 2024, driven by a rise in opt-out claims. However, recent court rulings, including a significant loss for plaintiffs in the Le Patourel v BT Group case, raise concerns about the future of these actions. The Competition Appeal Tribunal has seen a surge in cases, particularly against major tech firms, but the low recovery rates from settlements, such as the £200m in the Merricks v Mastercard case, highlight challenges for third-party funders. The UK government is reviewing the opt-out collective actions regime amid these developments.