Devolution Legislation

Legislative framework governing powers delegated to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including regional autonomy and inter-governmental relations.

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Isle of Man) Order 2025

Published: Thu 10th Jul 25 Came into force: Thu 10th Jul 25

The 2025 Order extended UK safeguarding legislation to the Isle of Man, amending information sharing procedures and repealing some provisions of the Isle of Man's Police Act 1997.


This Order extends key provisions of the UK's Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to the Isle of Man.

Specifically, it mandates information sharing between the Isle of Man Constabulary and the UK's Disclosure and Barring Service to support barring decisions, making changes to the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2012 to reflect this.

The modifications ensure consistent safeguarding standards and enhance the protection of vulnerable adults and children in the Isle of Man.

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The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 1st Jul 25

The regulations established July 22, 2025, as the commencement date for the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024, providing a simplified path to British citizenship for Irish citizens in the UK.


The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 (Commencement) Regulations 2025 establish July 22, 2025, as the effective date for the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024.

This Act introduces a distinct route to British citizenship for Irish citizens residing in the UK for five years, offering a simpler application process than traditional naturalization.

The regulations apply to the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and British overseas territories.

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The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025

Published: Fri 27th Jun 25

The 2025 Order increased Scotland's borrowing limits under the Scotland Act 1998 and revoked the 2024 Order.


The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025 raises Scotland's borrowing limits under the Scotland Act 1998.

Specifically, it increases the lending limit under section 67(2) from £1,779.351 million to £1,834.303 million and the capital expenditure limit under section 67A(1) from £3,050.316 million to £3,144.519 million.

The Order supersedes the 2024 Order and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It came into effect the day after its enactment.

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The Trade Marks (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Thu 12th Jun 25 Came into force: Thu 10th Jul 25

The Order amended the Trade Marks (Isle of Man) Order 2013 to align with the UK Trade Marks Act 1994, specifically concerning protection of well-known trade marks and national emblems.


The Trade Marks (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2013 Order to reflect changes in UK trademark law.

Specifically, it modifies section 56 of the 1994 Act regarding the protection of well-known trademarks, incorporating references to the WTO agreement and making it more explicit.

The Order applies to England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man, and took effect on July 10, 2025.

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The National Security Act 2023 (Foreign Activities and Foreign Influence Registration Scheme: Exemptions for Certain Foreign Power Investment Funds, Education, Government Administration and Public Bodies) Regulations 2025

The regulations exempted certain foreign investment funds, educational and governmental services, and UK public body arrangements from the foreign activities and foreign influence registration scheme.


These regulations, enacted under the National Security Act 2023, exempt specific categories of activities from the foreign activities and foreign influence registration scheme.

The exemptions cover certain foreign power investment funds focused primarily on overseas investments, educational arrangements supporting students in the UK, administrative and technical services provided by foreign powers, and arrangements involving UK public bodies (excluding those related to political influence).

The aim is to streamline the registration process while maintaining national security.

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The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 21st May 25 Came into force: Fri 1st Aug 25

The 2025 regulations amended the 2017 Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, reducing the minimum duration for apprenticeship practical periods and training from 12 to 8 months.


The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective August 1st, 2025, amend the 2017 regulations to shorten the minimum duration of practical training periods for English apprenticeships from 12 to 8 months.

This applies to both standard and alternative apprenticeship arrangements.

The regulations were made by the Minister of State at the Department for Education and extend to England and Wales.

No significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors is anticipated.

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The Cornwall Council (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025

The Cornwall Council (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025 transferred specified adult education functions from the Secretary of State to Cornwall Council, amending relevant legislation to reflect the change.


These regulations transfer responsibility for certain adult education functions from the UK Secretary of State to Cornwall Council.

Specifically, the transfer includes functions related to education and training for those aged 19 and over, including the provision of facilities and tuition fees.

However, some functions, such as those related to apprenticeships, adult detention, and regulatory powers remain with the Secretary of State, and others are to be exercised concurrently with the Council.

The regulations also amend existing legislation concerning financial resources and information sharing related to adult education.

The transfer is contingent on Cornwall Council's consent and a belief that it will improve the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Cornwall residents.

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The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025

The Order transferred certain adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, modifying relevant sections of the 2009 Act to reflect the change.


The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025 transfers specified adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The transfer, effective August 1, 2025, covers functions under sections 86-88 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, excluding apprenticeship training and those concerning persons in adult detention.

Section 90 and section 100(1) and (1B) functions will be exercised concurrently.

The Combined Authority must adhere to Secretary of State guidance and directions regarding eligibility rules for awards.

The Order also modifies relevant sections of the 2009 Act to reflect the change in responsibilities.

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