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
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.
The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 (Commencement) Regulations 2025
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.
The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025
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.
The Trade Marks (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2025
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.
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
- Benefits and Welfare
- Defence
- Devolution
- Economy
- Education
- Foreign Policy
- Justice
- Local Government
- Transport
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.
The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
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.
The Cornwall Council (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025
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.
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025
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.