Boutique scores victory for Blairs over paparazzi
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Media boutique Atkins solicitors has scored substantial damages for the former prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Booth QC of Matrix chambers.
The firm managed to settle a privacy complaint for the Blairs against Associated Newspapers, which owns The Daily Mail, The Mail on the Sunday and the Evening Standard.
Graham Atkins, who founded the firm 18 months ago, said that this was a significant settlement win for his clients.
“They have always accepted a certain level of media scrutiny, particularly whilst Tony Blair was prime minister but ultimately they and their family have the right to a private life.” said Atkins.
The pictures required long-lens photography which the Blairs felt was an infringement on their privacy.
Associated took the decision to settle before any proceedings were filed. The damages paid to the Blairs has been donated to several charities by the couple.
Atkins added: “In this matter, the photographers over-stepped the mark and this must be a good result for those in the public eye generally.”
The Daily Mail had published images showing the Blairs on holiday in secluded and private areas in Barbados.
Atkins instructed David Sherborne of 5 Raymond Buildings on behalf of the Blairs, while Associated Newspapers was represented by its in-house counsel.
