Brendan McGurk KC and Professor Joe Tomlinson of the University of York have published their new practitioners’ text on Artificial Intelligence and Public law. The Government’s use of algorithmic-based decision-making is rapidly expanding across many policy areas, including immigration, social security, regulation, security and policing. This book provides the first comprehensive analysis of how public law applies to the use of artificial intelligence and automation in the public sector in England and Wales.

Starting with an accessible account of the nature of AI and the automated systems being increasingly deployed in the public sector, the book covers the various legal regimes which regulate their use. It considers how the principles of judicial review might be deployed to challenge automated decision-making by public authorities. It also explains how equality law, human rights law, procurement law, data protection law and private law apply to government use of AI and automation. This book is a vital guide for practitioners in both private practice and government, and for anyone navigating this quickly changing, complex and uncertain environment.

Holger Hestermeyer together with with Alex Horne have written a submission for the House of Lords International Agreements Committee’s inquiry on the review of treaty scrutiny.

This joint submission to the International Agreements Committee is based upon a research project undertaken by the authors for the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy which concluded in 2024.1 It considered the role of Parliament in scrutinising international agreements and proposed several ideas for reform. Both authors have practical experience of the issue having recently worked for the UK Parliament undertaking treaty scrutiny.

To read full submission please click here.

Azeem Suterwalla and Will Perry have co-authored the public law and procurement law chapter of the Second Edition of the ‘Law of Artificial Intelligence’, which is published by Sweet & Maxwell. The chapter considers the increasing use by public authorities of AI, including commercial reasons to innovate with emerging technologies. The chapter covers the current relevant legal and regulatory framework and guidance for public authorities in England and Wales. It also identifies recent proposals for changes to that framework. It is hoped that this chapter will be relevant and informative to public authorities and those delivering public functions using AI, and also to private organisations seeking to supply to the public sector. The chapter will also be useful to parties who wish to carefully scrutinise the decisions of public authorities, including in the context of judicial review and public procurement proceedings.