Generations of law students have grown up on Factortame – the Spanish Fishermen’s case that for more than 25 years defined the UK’s constitutional relationship with Europe.
My own memoir of the case (in which I represented the Fishermen for 12 years) is to be published shortly in The European Advocate.
Having helped me with that piece, our client John Couceiro was moved to record some of his own recollections. John managed dozens of Spanish-owned vessels and was central to the litigation throughout. I hope that his account of this historic case may be of interest and amusement.
Through both John’s piece and mine the figure of our leader David Vaughan QC looms large: my tribute at his recent memorial service is here.
I’m grateful to John for allowing me to post his piece on this blog.
