Foreign Policy Legislation
Legislative framework for international relations, diplomatic affairs, treaties, and overseas development assistance.
The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025
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 Recognition of Overseas Qualifications (Charges) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025
These regulations establish the fee structure for services related to recognizing overseas qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
They detail charges for statements of comparability, qualification reference statements, bundle services (standard and refugee-focused), and subscription packages to a qualification database.
Payment is made to the Secretary of State or a designated organization, with provisions for refunds.
These regulations replace the 2024 regulations, addressing drafting errors and incorporating feedback from devolved governments.
The Protection of Trading Interests (Authorisation) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Protection of Trading Interests (Authorisation) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2021 Regulations by extending an existing authorization for Three Crowns (Services) LLP to comply with Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 until March 31, 2027.
The regulations came into force on February 28, 2025, and apply across the UK. A full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to the lack of anticipated effects on the public or private sectors.
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 Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (Persons Abroad and Mariners) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective April 6, 2025, extend statutory neonatal care pay eligibility under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 to individuals working abroad, mariners, and those employed on the continental shelf.
The regulations specify conditions for eligibility, including employment location, employer liability for national insurance contributions, and periods of employment in the EEA. They also clarify the treatment of individuals under existing UK and EU social security legislation and establish procedures for compliance with time limits, particularly for those temporarily outside of the UK.
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 Judicial Committee (Cayman Islands) Order 2025
The Judicial Committee (Cayman Islands) Order 2025, made on February 5th, 2025, and effective February 6th, 2025, designates the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands as a superior court under the Judicial Committee Amendment Act 1895.
This designation clarifies the eligibility of Cayman Islands judges to potentially sit on the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.