In the letter to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee dated 26 May, Linklaters partner Andrew Hughes wrote: 'The statements attributed to Mr Field are, to say the least, inappropriate. In fact we are confident that they are actionable in that they are highly defamatory, untrue and not protected by parliamentary privilege.

'That said, we have no intention of taking the matter further, other than respectfully requesting the committees to disregard the published statements.'

Client privilege

The letter also commented on the decision of Linklaters corporate partner Owen Clay, who advised Arcadia Group on the sale, not to respond to some questions from MPs about the advice given to his client. The letter said he had no option but to comply with client instructions relating to client privilege 'without intending any disrespect whatsoever to the committees'.

Source: Legal Business