The 2025 regulations amended several UK sanctions regulations to add exceptions allowing payment of Treasury debt to UN-designated persons under specific conditions.

The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Treasury Debt) Regulations 2025 amend existing UK sanctions regulations concerning South Sudan, Central African Republic, Yemen, and Libya.

These amendments introduce exceptions to asset freezes and fund prohibitions imposed on UN-designated persons, allowing for the payment of Treasury debt owed to these individuals, provided certain conditions are met concerning the origin of the debt and the transfer of funds to a specified account.

The aim is to balance sanctions enforcement with the UK's financial obligations.

Sections 194 and 195 of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, regarding SLAPPs, were brought into force.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2025 bring into effect sections 194 and 195 of the Act on June 18, 2025.

These sections address strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPPs) by requiring the Lord Chancellor to create Civil Procedure Rules enabling courts to dismiss SLAPP claims before trial and to make specific cost orders.

The regulations aim to deter SLAPPs, protecting free speech and streamlining legal processes.

The 2025 Order designated Customs Site No. 2 Thames as a free zone, appointed a responsible authority, and imposed conditions for its operation.

The Free Zone (Customs Site No. 2 Thames) Designation Order 2025 designates a specific area at the Thames Freeport as a free zone for a 10-year period.

Cosco Shipping Crystal Logistics (UK) Company Limited was appointed as the responsible authority, subject to conditions encompassing record-keeping, security, access for HMRC officers, and health and safety.

The order leverages existing legislation to establish the free zone and aims to benefit trade and economic growth within the designated area.

OFCOM issued an order limiting the number of wireless telegraphy licenses for specific frequency bands, implementing a defined procedure for licence allocation.

The Wireless Telegraphy (Limitation of Number of Licences) Order 2025, issued by OFCOM, limits the number of wireless telegraphy licenses granted for use in the 25.1 to 27.5 gigahertz and 40.5 to 43.5 gigahertz frequency bands.

OFCOM will use a defined procedure outlined in the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Award) Regulations 2025 to determine the number of licenses and their recipients.

The order came into force on July 7, 2025, and does not apply to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The 2025 Regulations amended the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and Payment Accounts Regulations 2015, strengthening consumer rights related to contract termination for payment services by implementing longer notice periods and requiring more detailed reasons for refusal or termination.

The Payment Services and Payment Accounts (Contract Termination) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective April 28, 2026, amend existing regulations to enhance consumer protection regarding payment service contract terminations.

Key changes include increased notice periods (90 days for contracts made on or after April 28, 2026), requirements for more detailed explanations of contract refusals and terminations, and specific exceptions for situations involving money laundering, serious crime, or immigration requirements.

These amendments aim to improve transparency and fairness in the termination of payment service contracts.

The National Security Act 2023 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2025 brought into force Part 4 of the National Security Act 2023, establishing a foreign activities and foreign influence registration scheme.

These regulations, the second set under the National Security Act 2023, bring into effect Part 4 of that Act, specifically the foreign activities and foreign influence registration scheme.

This scheme starts on July 1st, 2025, and applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The regulations cite the power conferred by section 100(1) of the 2023 Act and provide for detailed commencement information.

An impact assessment is available online and in hard copy.

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.

The order appointed numerous individuals as His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (No. 3) Order 2025, enacted June 12, 2025, appoints several individuals as His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

This appointment is authorized under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and is detailed in a schedule listing each appointee.