UK New Legislation

Online Safety CSEA Reporting Regulations 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Online Safety (CSEA Content Reporting by Regulated User-to-User Service Providers) Regulations 2026, effective April 7, 2026. These regulations mandate specific reporting duties for user-to-user service providers regarding Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSEA) content.

Merchant Shipping CO2 Emissions Revocation Regulations 2026

The UK Secretary of State has revoked the Merchant Shipping (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of Carbon Dioxide Emissions) Regulations 2026. This action removes retained EU law related to CO2 emissions from maritime transport, effective April 3, 2026.

Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026 - Biodiversity Targets

The Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026 has been enacted, introducing new provisions for setting targets to improve biodiversity. The Scottish Ministers are required to lay draft regulations for these targets before the Scottish Parliament within 12 months of the Act coming into force.

Pembrokeshire Communities Order 2026

The Welsh Ministers have issued the County of Pembrokeshire (Communities) Order 2026, which amends community boundaries and electoral arrangements within Pembrokeshire. The Order takes effect for certain purposes on May 6, 2026, and for all other purposes on the day before the ordinary election of councillors in 2027.

Personal Injuries Scheme Amendment Order 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026, amending the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983. The order updates the rates of pensions and allowances payable in respect of disablement and earnings thresholds, coming into force on April 6, 2026.

Merchant Shipping Order Increases Borrowing Limit to £166 Million

The UK Secretary of State for Transport, with Treasury approval, has issued the Merchant Shipping (General Lighthouse Authorities) (Increase of Borrowing Limit) Order 2026. This order increases the aggregate borrowing limit for general lighthouse authorities from £133 million to £166 million, effective March 31, 2026.

Appointment of Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland

The UK Government has issued the His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland (Appointment) Order 2026. This statutory instrument officially appoints Ruth Anne Binks as His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, effective March 30, 2026.

Vulnerable Witnesses Act 2019 Commencement Regulations for Scotland

The Scottish Ministers have issued regulations to bring into force Section 1 of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019. These regulations specify the commencement date and transitional provisions for child witnesses giving evidence in sheriff court proceedings.

Wales Regulations Remove Edited Register Requirements for Local Electors

The Welsh Ministers have issued regulations removing the requirement to prepare and supply edited registers of local government electors in Wales. These regulations, effective October 1, 2026, amend existing legislation to align with new electoral registration processes in Wales.

Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 Commencement Order 2026

The Welsh Ministers have issued the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 3) Order 2026, bringing sections 3 and 4 of the Act into force on October 1, 2026. These sections relate to the duty to register local government electors.