Harrison Gorst

Harrison has experience beyond his years of call in judicial review litigation and public law advisory work across a broad range of subject matter, including constitutional law, foreign affairs, regulatory decision-making, human rights, national security and public international law. He regularly advises on the lawfulness of executive and regulatory decision-making, with expertise in matters involving disclosure obligations, the duty of candour, procedural fairness, statutory powers and human rights considerations.

Harrison has experience in cases arising at the intersection of public law and commercial interests, where government action or regulatory decision-making has significant implications for businesses and markets. He advises on public law risks associated with regulatory intervention, economic and market regulation, sanctions, trade-related measures and other exercises of executive authority, often in high-profile and strategically important contexts.

Notable cases include:

• Luton Borough Council v Secretary of State for the Home Department –Harrison is currently instructed in a judicial review claim brought by LBC surrounding the funding arrangements provided for asylum accommodation. Led by Alan Payne KC.

• Union of Medical Associate Practitioners (UMAPS) v Secretary of State for the Department of Health, NHS England, Gillian Leng – a review brought by UMAPS against the recommendations and process behind the Independent Leng Review into associate medical professionals. Led by Steven Gray KC.

During his time within the Department for Business and Trade (now DBIST) Harrison worked closely with the Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) on numerous regulatory investigations and public law issues relating to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA) and the Trade, Aircraft and Shipping Sanctions (Civil Enforcement) Regulations 2024 (TASSCER).

Notable cases include: 

• Seizure of the Smyrtos: Harrison is currently instructed by DBIST in a large-scale s.38 SAMLA and judicial review claim arising out of the UK Government’s decision to intercept a shadow fleet tanker in June 2026 – the first such seizure undertaken in British waters.

• Sanctions investigations: Harrison is currently instructed by OTSI in a large-scale sanctions investigation, providing advice regarding various sanctions regimes and their practical application, building on his prior experience in GLD.

Harrison is developing a planning practice within Chambers. Whilst working within the Government Legal Department, Harrison assisted on matters such as the development of Crown land to accommodate asylum seekers and a sensitive planning judicial review matter.

Harrison is regularly instructed by local authorities in prosecutions relating to planning and licensing enforcement.

R (Royal Mint Court Resident’s Association) v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, SSHD, SSFCDO [2026] EWHC 904 (Admin) – Harrison supported the Home Office in this high-profile challenge against the grant of planning permission to the Chinese Government to build a ‘super-embassy’ on the site of the old royal mint.

Harrison has developed particular expertise in national security litigation and advisory work.

Before and during pupillage, he worked within the Defence, Security and General Public Law team of the Government Legal Department, managing judicial review and Freedom of Information matters and assisting on national security issues. His experience includes deproscription proceedings, investigatory powers, closed material procedures, diplomatic issues and litigation.

His work has involved handling sensitive evidence, advising senior military and Government personnel, preparing witness evidence and supporting strategic litigation concerning national security interests.

Notable cases include:

• R (Huda Ammori) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2025] EWCA Civ 1311 (Palestine Action) – whilst working in the Home Office, Harrison supported the Home Office defence for the high-profile Palestine Action litigation in a five Judge panel of the Court of Appeal.

• Harakat Al-Muqawamah Al-Islamiyyah v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Hamas deproscription) – Harrison supported the Home Office in this application under s.4 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to deproscribe Hamas the

• Special Forces Contracts – whilst in GLD, Harrison worked as part of the MOD team responsible for providing legal advice on matters concerning potential breaches of Special Forces confidentiality contracts and the recoverability of profits gained through the dissemination of potentially damaging national security information through print media, films, podcasts and documentaries.

Harrison has substantial experience of public inquiries and investigations involving sensitive and high-profile matters.

During his time with the Government Legal Department, Harrison acted on both the Undercover Policing Inquiry and Afghanistan Inquiry, led by Brian Altman KC and Melanie Cumberland KC. His work included drafting witness statements for senior Government and military figures, leading conferences, advising on privilege and inquiry powers, and participating in stakeholder engagement.

He also has experience assisting on investigations involving confidential material, public law challenges and issues attracting significant public and political scrutiny.

Harrison’s experience encompasses a broad range of public international law issues, including state immunity, diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities, the law of armed conflict, and international trade matters – including 6 months he spent within the Department for Business and Trade. He has worked on questions arising under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, as well as disputes involving the rights and obligations of states under international law.