Tom Hickman KC, representing Ranger, said that in revoking the CBE, the PM relied on allegations that were never put to Ranger. In addition “personal disputes” were used, even though that goes against the committee’s guidelines and the decision was taken without waiting for the outcome of a libel claim made by Sikhs for Justice. He also said it was contrary to Ranger’s Article 10 ECHR freedom of expression rights. He pointed out that forfeiture has “serious reputational consequences”.