London, noted for its claimant-friendly libel laws, is often referred to as the libel capital of the world. Why, then, did Sirs Frederick and David Barclay choose to sue The Times before the French criminal courts, rather than rely on England’s developed libel laws and extensive remedies?
The Barclays’ claim relates to statements made in an article published in The Times in November 2004 – ‘Twins who swoop on owners in distress’ – which described how the Barclays made their fortune, which includes London’s Ritz hotel and the Telegraph Group. The Barclays claim that The Times “accused them of building their fortune by frequently exploiting proprietors in distress”.
