Oil Pollution: Nigerian Communities Can Sue Shell In English Courts, Supreme Court Rules

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that oil-polluted Nigerian communities can sue Shell in English courts.

The decision is a victory for the communities after a five-year battle, and overturns a Court of Appeal ruling.

The Niger Delta communities of more than 40,000 people say decades of pollution have severely affected their lives, health and local environment.

The oil giant had argued it was only a holding company for a firm that should be judged under Nigerian law.

Shell described the legal ruling as disappointing.