Court of Appeal decision emphasises need to plead conspiracy claim in full 

In a recent decision, the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court's refusal to allow the claimants to pursue claims in unlawful means conspiracy: Elite Property Holdings Ltd v Barclays Bank plc [2019] EWCA Civ 204.

While this decision did not involve new law, it serves as a reminder of the difficulties of bringing a claim based on conspiracy and, in particular, that it is not sufficient simply to plead a claim and hope something turns up in disclosure. The claimant must be able to plead full particulars of all elements of the claim.

Further, as the case makes clear, release clauses in settlements may be construed widely and it is important to be clear as to precisely what claims (if any) are intended to survive the settlement.

For more information please see our Banking litigation ebulletin on the decision.