Defence Legislation

Laws and policies relating to military operations, defense procurement, armed forces administration, and national security strategy.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend the UK's implementation of the EU's Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021.

Specifically, they modify the permitted uses of Dechlorane Plus and UV-328, allowing their continued use in certain applications, such as aerospace, defense, and medical devices, until specific dates in 2030 and 2044.

The amendments also clarify permitted use for replacement parts and repairs within those applications.

The regulations ensure consistency with previous UK legislation (S.I. 2025/296).

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.

The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.

The Offshore Installations (Safety Zones) Order 2025

The Offshore Installations (Safety Zones) Order 2025 establishes 500-meter safety zones around five offshore installations in UK waters.

Two installations were already in place when the Order was made and two more will be in place from March or April 2025.

The order is based on the Petroleum Act 1987 and proposals from the Health and Safety Executive, aiming to enhance maritime safety by preventing vessels from entering or remaining in these zones without consent or in accordance with regulations.

The Space Industry (Licence Exemption for Military Activities of Allies) Regulations 2025

The Space Industry (Licence Exemption for Military Activities of Allies) Regulations 2025 exempt authorized personnel from allied armed forces, international military organizations, and related entities from needing operator or range control licenses for sub-orbital spaceflight activities conducted for national security purposes.

These exemptions apply when activities originate from Crown land, land controlled by His Majesty's forces, or specific ships or platforms in UK territorial waters.

The regulations were created under the Space Industry Act 2018, following public consultation and parliamentary approval, and also amend the Space Industry Regulations 2021.

The Proscribed Organisations (Name Change) Order 2025

The Proscribed Organisations (Name Change) Order 2025, made under the Terrorism Act 2000, officially recognizes ‘Majeed Brigade’ as an alternative name for the proscribed organization ‘Baluchistan Liberation Army.’ This action aims to improve counter-terrorism efforts by closing legal loopholes and facilitating effective prosecution and monitoring of the group’s activities, regardless of the name used.

The order extends to the entire United Kingdom and took effect the day after parliamentary review.

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.

This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.

The Procurement Act 2023 (Consequential and Other Amendments) Regulations 2025

The Procurement Act 2023 (Consequential and Other Amendments) Regulations 2025 implements crucial updates to UK procurement law, including revised threshold amounts for contract values, amendments to international trade obligations, and comprehensive changes to primary and secondary legislation.

The regulations modernize procurement processes, strengthen security measures, and establish transitional provisions while ensuring alignment with international agreements.

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Burghfield) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2025

These regulations revoke the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Burghfield) (Emergency) Regulations 2024, which imposed temporary restrictions on unmanned aircraft flights near Burghfield.

The Secretary of State determined that the emergency justifying these restrictions has ended, and the revocation is in the public interest.

The regulations came into force immediately upon signing on February 11th, 2025.