HCB1 -v- Secretary of State for Defence (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Case number: AC-2025-LON-004347

In the High Court of Justice
King’s Bench Division
Administrative Court

In the matter of an application for judicial review

17 July 2026

Before:

The Hon. Mr Justice Sheldon

Between:

The King
on the application of
HCB1
(Claimant)

-v-

Secretary of State for Defence
(Defendant)

and

(1) Secretary of State for the Home Department
(2) HCB2
(3) HCB3
(4) HCB4
(5) HCB5
(6) HCB6
(7) HCB7
(8) HCB8
(Interested Parties)

Order

UPON the Defendant agreeing to issue a decision on the Claimant’s AFM application of 16 January 2025 within 6 weeks from the date of sealing this order

And UPON that decision carrying a right of review

AND UPON the parties agreeing that any publication of the Claimant or of the second to eighth interested parties, or of any other matter likely to lead to their identification in any report of, or otherwise in connection with, these proceedings shall be prohibited.

IT IS ORDERED that:

  1. The Claimant shall henceforth be referred to as ‘HCB1’, the second to eighth interested parties shall be referred to as ‘HCB2’ through to ‘HCB8’. The deceased family member (the Claimant’s brother) shall be referred to as ‘GTH’.
  2. Pursuant to s. 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, there must be no publication of the identity of the Claimant, the Claimant’s brother or the second to eight interested parties of any matter likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant, the Claimant’s brother or of those interested parties in any report of, or otherwise in connection with, these proceedings.
  3. Any person wishing to vary or discharge paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Order must make an application, served on each party.
  4. There is permission for HCB8 to participate in these proceedings without a litigation friend.
  5. The Claimant’s claim is hereby withdrawn.
  6. The Defendant shall pay the Claimant’s reasonable costs on a standard basis, to be assessed if not agreed.
  7. There is to be detailed assessment of the Claimant’s legally aided costs.

Reasons

  1. Anonymity is required in this matter. The proceedings concern the relocation from Afghanistan of the family of a former serving military officer. Identifying them could put them at harm.
  2. The interests of the 8th interested party in this litigation are properly looked after by the other litigants.
  3. The parties have agreed to the withdrawal of the claim upon a fresh decision being taken of their application to be relocated to the United Kingdom.

Signed: Mr Justice Sheldon

17 July 2026