Science Legislation

Laws governing scientific research, funding, ethics, and implementation of scientific discoveries.

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 Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.

This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.

The Environmental Permitting (Electricity Generating Stations) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The regulations establish new requirements for electricity generating stations in England to demonstrate their readiness for future decarbonisation through either carbon capture and storage (CCS) or hydrogen conversion.

Operators must submit detailed technical and economic feasibility assessments when applying for environmental permits, proving they can meet specific conditions for either CCS readiness or hydrogen conversion readiness.

The regulations replace existing Carbon Capture Readiness requirements and extend to both inland and territorial waters adjacent to England.

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2025

The Order amends the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to revise how installation closures are handled and their impact on free allocation of emissions allowances.

It introduces new definitions for operational cessation, mandatory notification requirements, and regulator powers to determine permanent closures.

The amendments also create special provisions for installations undertaking decarbonization projects and modify reporting requirements for installations receiving free allowances.

These changes aim to improve scheme administration while supporting industrial transition to lower-carbon operations.