Stubborn Cambridge's legal bill soars

Cambridge University has rejected another settlement in its epic battle with history lecturer Gill Evans, who is campaigning for reform of the university's promotion procedures.

Last spring the university turned down the independent arbitration of former Lord Justice Sir Brian Neill, despite the fact that Dr Evans signed up to his proposed settlement and promised to withdraw all litigation (she had already won an application for leave for judicial review).

Now Dr Evans has said she will withdraw from an imminent industrial tribunal hearing in which she is claiming victimisation, in return for cooperation over further procedural reform and the independent consideration of her case. But Cambridge registrar, Tim Meade, said: "The university has decided to defend an action Dr Evans brought and believes her allegations are not sound."