Justice Legislation

Laws relating to criminal justice, court procedures, legal services, law enforcement, and judicial administration.

The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) (Threshold Amount) (Amendment) Order 2025

This order amends the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, increasing the money laundering threshold from £1,000 to £3,000 for transactions under section 339A(2) and (6A).

This affects banks and firms handling accounts, and businesses in the regulated sector returning property to customers.

The increase aims to reduce administrative burdens on businesses while preserving the focus on significant money laundering activities.

The amendment followed parliamentary review and approval.

The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) (Variation) Order 2025

The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) (Variation) Order 2025 modifies the 2024 Order, altering article 5(12) regarding licence eligibility.

Specifically, it makes individuals who were shareholders or officers of certain companies ineligible for licenses or renewals until December 2031.

The order, enacted under the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967, aims to improve the regulation of cockle fishing in the Thames Estuary.

The Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 (Extension of Duration of Non-jury Trial Provisions) Order 2025

Published: Tue 15th Jul 25

This Order, made under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, extends the timeframe for non-jury trials in Northern Ireland until July 31, 2027.

The Order cites the Act's provision for the Secretary of State to extend the effective period of non-jury trials and notes that a draft was previously approved by Parliament.

The extension continues a practice established by several previous orders, each extending the period by two years.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 15th Jul 25

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2017 regulations, expanding the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) ability to request information and intervene in matters concerning commodity derivatives to encompass 'applicable OTC commodity derivatives'.

The amendments extend the FCA's powers to include options, futures, and contracts for difference relating to commodities traded on UK trading venues, but which are not classified as financial instruments.

These changes came into effect immediately after relevant paragraphs in Schedule 2 of the 2023 Financial Services and Markets Act were enacted, applying to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Bank Recovery and Resolution (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 15th Jul 25

The Bank Recovery and Resolution (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2014 Order to allow the Bank of England to set transitional periods and minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) for financial institutions.

This provides flexibility for banks to meet MREL requirements over time while maintaining effective supervision, drawing upon the Bank of England's Statement of Policy, and considering the potential availability of recapitalisation payments.

The regulations also clarify the inclusion of transitional MREL in the definition of minimum own funds and eligible liabilities, and remove a power for the Bank relating to technical standards.

The Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Act 2025 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 15th Jul 25

The Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Act 2025 (Commencement) Regulations 2025, enacted by the Treasury, bring sections 1 to 7 of the Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Act 2025 into effect on July 16th, 2025.

These sections cover recapitalisation payments, reporting requirements, notification to parliamentary committees, reimbursement procedures, a code of practice, and amendments to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and the Banking Act 2009.

The regulations aim to provide a timely and effective framework for addressing the financial stability of banks.

The Disability Premium Compensation Scheme (Income Tax Exemption) Regulations 2025

These regulations exempt from income tax payments made under the Department for Work and Pensions' disability premium compensation scheme and its Northern Ireland equivalent.

The exemption retroactively covers payments received on or after December 18, 2024.

This action addresses a court ruling that highlighted unfair treatment of certain universal credit claimants who lost disability premiums when transitioning from legacy benefits.

The Civil Nuclear Police Authority (Borrowing Limit) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Mon 14th Jul 25

The Civil Nuclear Police Authority (Borrowing Limit) (Amendment) Order 2025, effective September 18, 2025, amends the Energy Act 2004.

It raises the CNPA's borrowing limit from £10 million to £30 million, enabling the authority to adequately fund its responsibilities for protecting civil nuclear sites and materials in England, Wales, and Scotland.

The amendment was approved by the Treasury.