The Government says it wishes to clarify the nature of the legal proceedings currently before the Chief Justice. 

A statement continued: “These proceedings were initiated not by the Government but by Mr Allan Asquez, who is challenging the Governor’s decision to terminate his tenancy under Section 66 of the Landlord and Tenant Act, a decision made in the public interest to enable the redevelopment of the Victoria Stadium. 

“Mr Asquez is seeking compensation exceeding £2 million, a sum vastly above what the law provides for. The Government, Office of the Governor and the Attorney General have therefore been required to defend the position of the Crown and the public interest in court. 

“Given the constitutional and legal significance of the claim, the Government, Office of the Governor and Attorney General have instructed Lord Pannick KC, one of the United Kingdom’s most respected public law barristers, to lead its legal team. 

"Contrary to recent media reports, the Government is not paying Lord Pannick £5,000 per hour. The fees agreed are substantially lower. Crucially, should Mr Asquez's challenge fail, the court may order that Mr Asquez pay the legal costs incurred by the Government in responding to his claim. This action, therefore, seeks to avoid an unreasonable financial burden on the taxpayer.”