Defence Legislation

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

The Electronic Communications (Networks and Services) (Designated Vendor Directions) (Penalties) Order 2025

The Electronic Communications (Networks and Services) (Designated Vendor Directions) (Penalties) Order 2025 clarifies the calculation of penalties for non-compliance with designated vendor directions under the Communications Act 2003.

It specifies the relevant business activities to be included in turnover calculations for penalty purposes and amends the Electronic Communications (Networks and Services) (Penalties) (Rules for Calculation of Turnover) Order 2003 to replace references to "notified provider" with "person." This ensures consistency with the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 and provides a clearer framework for penalty enforcement.

The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2025

This order implements the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 across the UK. It mandates information sharing and review processes by UK law enforcement bodies regarding Level 2 disclosures, mirroring existing duties of Scottish law enforcement.

It also amends relevant acts to ensure consistency and defines key terms like "UK law-enforcement body." The order addresses payment for services rendered under its provisions and outlines guidance issuance by the Scottish Ministers.

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Amendment) (Provision of Information) Order 2025

This Order amends the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 to allow the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to share barred list information with several non-territorial police forces within the UK and those in the Crown Dependencies.

The amendment adds these forces to the list of recipients in section 50A(3) of the Act, improving information sharing to better safeguard vulnerable groups and enhance national security.

The Order received parliamentary approval and extends to England and Wales, coming into force the day after its enactment.

The Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme (Amendment) Order 2025

The Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme (Amendment) Order 2025, effective April 7th, 2025, updates the rates of pensions and allowances payable under the 1983 Scheme to civilians injured or killed during World War II. The amendment replaces the tables in Schedules 3 and 4 outlining these rates, adjusting them to current values.

The order applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

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.