Devolution Legislation
Legislative framework governing powers delegated to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including regional autonomy and inter-governmental relations.
The Trade Act 2021 (Power to Implement International Trade Agreements) (Extension to Expiry) Regulations 2025
The Secretary of State enacted these Regulations using the power granted by the Trade Act 2021 to extend the deadline for making regulations necessary to implement international trade agreements to which the UK is a signatory.
Specifically, the five-year period during which this regulation-making power can be used is extended, meaning no regulations under section 2(1) of the Act can be made after the end of ten years beginning with IP completion day.
Statutory approval from both Houses of Parliament preceded the coming into force of these regulations on December 30th, 2025, and they apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Education (Inspectors of Education and Training in Wales) Order 2025
This statutory instrument, made by the King in Council under the powers granted by the Education Act 2005, formally appoints the individuals listed in the accompanying Schedule to serve as His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education and Training in Wales (or Arolygwyr Ei Fawrhydi dros Addysg a Hyfforddiant yng Nghymru), and it stipulated that the Order comes into force on November 20th, 2025.
The Control of Mercury (Enforcement) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Control of Mercury (Enforcement) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2017 Regulations to implement new restrictions on mercury, focusing specifically on dental amalgam within Northern Ireland as required by the 2024 EU amendment regulation concerning mercury.
These changes update customs enforcement powers regarding import and export prohibitions and clarify temporary exemptions for existing use and import of dental amalgam by registered dental professionals in Northern Ireland until the end of 2034, while also adding corresponding reporting duties.
The Senedd Cymru (Disqualification) Order 2025
This Order, made by the King in Council under powers granted by the Government of Wales Act 2006, officially names itself the Welsh Parliament (Disqualification) Order 2025 and revokes the previous 2020 Order, although the 2020 Order remains effective for any Senedd election polling before April 6, 2026.
The primary function of the 2025 Order is to designate specific public offices listed in the Schedule whose holders are disqualified from being elected or remaining as a Member of the Senedd (MS), with the disqualification commencing its full effect for elections held on or after April 6, 2026.
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional Provisions) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2025
These Regulations, made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland using powers under the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, formally amend a previous commencement regulation (S.I. 2024/584).
Specifically, they extend the transitional deadline for investigating bodies to prepare or complete investigation reports or take subsequent actions from October 31, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
The Designation of Special Tax Sites (Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone) Regulations 2025
These Regulations, enacted by the Treasury under powers from the Finance Act 2021, officially designate specific areas in Flintshire and Wrexham as 'special tax sites' effective from November 21st, 2025, based on their location within or connection to the designated investment zone; this formal designation qualifies expenditure on plant, machinery, structures, and buildings within these sites for enhanced capital allowances under the Capital Allowances Act 2001.
The Online Safety Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5) (Revocation) Regulations 2025
These Regulations, made by the Secretary of State under the Online Safety Act 2023, revoke the Online Safety Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2025, thereby preventing specific provisions of the Act that mandate certain user-to-user service providers to report child sexual abuse and exploitation content to the National Crime Agency from coming into force on their scheduled date of November 3rd, 2025; this legislative action extends across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and is stated not to require a full impact assessment.
The Buckinghamshire Council, Surrey County Council and Warwickshire County Council (Housing and Regeneration Functions) Regulations 2025
These Regulations formally transfer specific housing, regeneration, land acquisition, and financial assistance functions, previously held by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) under the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, to Buckinghamshire Council, Surrey County Council, and Warwickshire County Council, enabling them to exercise these powers concurrently within their respective local government areas to meet local needs for housing, infrastructure, and community well-being.