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Customs Duty Repayment Changes for Northern Ireland Businesses

HMRC has published The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, amending customs duty repayment rules for businesses bringing goods into Northern Ireland. The changes modify the Duty Reimbursement Scheme (DRS) to allow eligible businesses to switch relief amounts from the Customs Duty Waiver Scheme (CDWS) to DRS awards. The measure also permits DRS claims for goods held in common stock of interchangeable goods where individual item monitoring is impractical.

PS26/5: UK Short Selling Regime Finalized, Effective 13 July 2026

The FCA has finalized PS26/5, implementing new short selling rules that create a dedicated Sourcebook within the FCA Handbook. Key changes include extending the net short position reporting deadline to T+1 by 23:59, formalizing 5-year record-keeping requirements for covering arrangements, and introducing aggregate net short position (ANSP) publication at the 0.2% threshold. The new regime takes effect in two phases: Phase 1 on 13 July 2026 and Phase 2 on 30 November 2026 for bulk submission functionality.

Ofgem Rejects Urgency Request for P509 Demand Side Response Code Modification

Ofgem has rejected the request for urgent progression of Balancing and Settlement Code modification P509, proposed by Voltalis on 5 March 2026. The modification would require Elexon to conduct regular benefit assessments and publish insights on Demand Side Response performance, with governance and escalation arrangements if negative net impacts are identified. Ofgem determined the urgency request did not warrant expedited treatment. P509 remains under consideration on its merits.

Proposed Modifications to Last Mile Gas Connection Charging Methodology Decision

Ofgem has published its decision on proposed modifications to Last Mile Gas's connection charging methodology (CCM) statements. Ofgem received the modification report from Last Mile Gas on 2 March 2026 and has issued its decision within the 28-day review period prescribed under Standard Condition 4B of the gas transporter licence. The decision letter is available in PDF format (194.95KB).

P511 Balancing and Settlement Code Urgency Decision - Trading Eligibility Threshold

Ofgem has granted urgency status for Balancing and Settlement Code modification proposal P511, which was raised by Axle Energy on 18 March 2026. P511 proposes introducing a trading eligibility threshold above which generation assets would be ineligible to participate in wholesale markets via Virtual Trading Parties. The urgency was granted in light of concerns about increasing volume and cost of the P415 mutualised compensation fund. The BSC Panel unanimously recommended urgency for P511.

Planning Data (England) Regulations 2026

The Secretary of State has made the Planning Data (England) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026 No. 420) under powers in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. The Regulations designate local plan timetables, minerals and waste plan timetables, and housing requirement data as planning data subject to approved data standards. Local planning authorities and minerals and waste planning authorities must comply with applicable data standards when publishing plan timetables, and local planning authorities must publish housing requirement data on their websites at specified points during local plan preparation.

Electronic Commerce (Amendment and Consequential Provision) Regulations 2026

The UK government has made the Electronic Commerce (Amendment and Consequential Provision) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/407), which amend the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 and related regulations. The amendments remove provisions relating to the Country of Origin Principle (CoOP) from retained EU law, including omitting the definition of 'coordinated field', regulation 5, and the Schedule. Similar amendments are made to five other statutory instruments covering terrorism, extreme pornography, miscellaneous provisions, EU Exit regulations, and criminal justice provisions. The regulations come into force on 7 May 2026.

Digital Assets Become Property Objects Under Scots Law

The Scottish Parliament enacted the Digital Assets (Scotland) Act 2026, establishing that digital assets meeting statutory criteria (rivalrous, existing independently from the legal system) are incorporeal moveables under Scots law. The Act provides a rebuttable presumption of ownership for persons controlling digital assets and applies standard property acquisition rules by treating control as physical possession.

Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Amendment Regulations 2026

HM Treasury has made the Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/393), correcting errors in SI 2020/1605. The amendments update regulation cross-references by substituting corrected subsection numbers (e.g., '(3)' for '(5)' in regulation 9) and insert 'of the Act' references throughout. New definitions are added including 'Chapter 5 relief goods', 'interchangeable goods', 'interchangeable goods claim', and 'original claimant', with the definition of 'claim for remission' being replaced entirely.

Derailment at Denbigh Hall South Junction, 26 June 2025

RAIB published investigation report 04/2026 into a derailment at Denbigh Hall South Junction on 26 June 2025. An out-of-service passenger train travelling at 15 mph derailed on switch diamond points while making a wrong-direction movement. The derailment caused damage to train and railway infrastructure; no injuries occurred. RAIB identified that signalling staff had variable knowledge of switch diamond points and that the Rule Book did not cover the specific scenario of wrong-direction movements.

OPG Family Care Payments Guidance for Court of Protection Deputies

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has published guidance (SD14) on family care payments, also known as gratuitous care payments. This guidance sets out the legal framework and factors Court of Protection deputies should consider when deciding on the level of such payments. The guidance applies to England and Wales and was updated in March/April 2026.

Benjamin Field v The King - Criminal Appeal

The Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) dismissed the appeal by Benjamin Luke Field against conviction. The appeal was heard before Lord Justice Edis, Mr Justice Goose, and Mr Justice Butcher at the Royal Courts of Justice on 16 April 2026. The case originated from the Crown Court at Oxford (T20187145).

Immigration Call for Evidence: Global Talent and Innovator Founder Visas

The UK Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has launched a call for evidence to review the Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa routes as part of a broader assessment of how the immigration system can attract top international talent. The consultation seeks input specifically on these two visa pathways and closes at 11:59pm on 1 May 2026. Respondents may be invited to participate in follow-up interviews or round table discussions later in the year.

MAC Launches Review of Immigration System for Attracting Top Talent

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has launched a self-commissioned review examining how the UK immigration system could be better used to attract top talent. The review, announced in a letter from MAC Chair Brian Bell to the Home Secretary, will assess talent routes and the effectiveness of current immigration pathways for recruiting high-skilled workers. The MAC is inviting evidence and submissions to inform its assessment of how to position the UK as a competitive destination for global talent.

Temporary Shortage List: Stage 1 Report

The UK Migration Advisory Committee has published its Stage 1 report on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) review. The report provides recommendations for the design of the TSL and identifies occupations for further consideration in Stage 2. This review was commissioned in response to the Home Secretary's commissioning letter regarding salary requirements and the new TSL.

Watercraft Accident Investigation Legislation Amendment

The Department for Transport and Marine Accident Investigation Branch concluded a consultation on amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023. The amendments aim to ensure accidents involving watercraft (recreational vessels with installed motors such as personal watercraft) can be investigated by the MAIB, and to correct minor drafting defects in the original order. Seventeen responses were received; minor stylistic amendments raised during consultation will be incorporated and the new legislation will be introduced as soon as possible.

Spirit of Discovery - Loss of Propulsion in Heavy Weather, Bay of Biscay, Over 100 Injuries, Fatality

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch published report 6/2026 regarding the passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery, which lost propulsion on 4 November 2023 while crossing the Bay of Biscay in heavy weather. Over 100 passengers were injured and one passenger later died from injuries. MAIB identified safety issues including propeller exposure and automatic shutdown, propulsion pods positioning at 90 degrees, and inadequate implementation of mass casualty incident plans. Recommendations were made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, classification societies, the propulsion manufacturer, and Cruise Lines International Association regarding electronic inclinometers, instruction manuals, and medical personnel qualifications.

Fatal Crew Accident on Ro-Ro Cargo Vessel Laureline at Purfleet

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch published Investigation Report 7/2026 regarding a fatal accident aboard the Malta-registered ro-ro cargo vessel Laureline at Purfleet on 13 July 2024. A crew member was crushed between a reversing trailer and the vessel's structure during loading operations. The investigation identified systemic safety failures including inadequate training on new vehicle deck safety procedures, ineffective supervision, and industry guidance relying on flawed assumptions about marshaller positioning. MAIB issued an amended recommendation to the UK Chamber of Shipping and Port Skills and Safety Limited to develop an industry Code of Practice for ro-ro vehicle deck safety.

Freedom II Foundering, Oban, 21st February 2024

MAIB published Investigation Report 8/2026 on the foundering of the fishing vessel Freedom II on 21 February 2024. The 15.94m UK-registered prawn trawler sank 11 nautical miles south-west of Oban, Scotland after progressive flooding overwhelmed the bilge pumps. All four crew were rescued uninjured. The investigation identified a likely vibration-induced fracture of the seawater suction pipe for the deck wash pump as the flood source, with additional pumps failing or unavailable due to power supply issues.

Low Pay Commission Minimum Wage 2027 Consultation

The Low Pay Commission has opened a consultation to gather evidence for its recommendations on minimum wage rates for April 2027. Responses are sought on the impacts of recent minimum wage increases on employers and workers, current economic and labour market conditions, and views on the specific rate impacts. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 26 June 2026.

National Living Wage Increases to £12.71 from April 2026

The UK Government has announced increases to minimum wage rates from April 2026, accepting in full the Low Pay Commission's recommendations. The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over will rise by 4.1% to £12.71, maintaining the Government's target of two-thirds of median earnings. The 18-20 Year Old Rate increases by 8.5% to £10.85, making progress towards eventual alignment with the NLW.

TEC Trademark Opposition Upheld Under Sections 5(1)-(4)

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) upheld a trademark opposition against the TEC mark (covering Classes 01, 07, 08, 16) in Decision O/0319/26 dated 15 April 2026. Hearing Officer Ms L Fayter found in favour of the opponent based on earlier trademark rights under Sections 5(1), 5(2), 5(3), and 5(4), including distinctiveness, family of marks, and visual/aural/conceptual considerations. Procedural consolidation was also addressed.

ZUWIT Trademark Invalidity Decision O/0321/26

The UK Intellectual Property Office issued Decision O/0321/26 on 15 April 2026, declaring the ZUWIT trade mark in Class 12 (vehicles and transport) invalid following a challenge proceeding. Hearing Officer Ms L Bailey issued the determination, which affects the mark proprietor and parties with competing registrations in Class 12.

Phoenix Figurative Series Two Opposition Decision

The UK Intellectual Property Office issued a trademark opposition decision under case O/0322/26 on 15 April 2026. The decision addresses procedural issues including pleadings, strike out, and estoppel in the opposition proceedings concerning the Phoenix (Figurative – Series of Two) mark across Classes 09 and 42.

Framework for Interrogation of Honey Authenticity Databases

The Government Chemist, commissioned under Defra's Food Authenticity Programme, has published a framework enabling independent scrutiny of honey authenticity databases. The framework was developed by an independent expert group led by Professor Michael Walker and Dr David Hoyland, jointly funded by the Government Chemist and Defra. It provides guidance on evaluating database scope, composition, metadata, representativity, and method validation for authenticity testing databases used in honey fraud detection.

Landowner Ordered to Pay Record £268,751 Fine for Illegal Tree Felling

Leicestershire landowner Motor Fuel Ltd was ordered to pay £268,751 after pleading guilty to failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice for illegal tree felling of mixed broadleaf woodland in 2019. Leicester Magistrates' Court imposed a fine of £266,666 plus £2,085 in costs and surcharge, payable within 28 days, alongside a 10-year Restocking Order requiring maintained replanting.

Family Procedure Rules Early Resolution Consultation 2023

The Family Procedure Rule Committee closed its consultation on proposed amendments to Family Procedure Rules aimed at strengthening mediation and non-court dispute resolution in private family law cases. The consultation ran from 30 March to 25 May 2023, seeking views on attendance at Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) and encouraging use of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR). Responses are being analysed with outcomes to be published.

New Draft FPR 25.5A Requiring Regulated Experts in Family Children Proceedings

The Family Procedure Rule Committee is consulting on new FPR 25.5A which would require any expert instructed in family law children proceedings to be regulated. The consultation also includes amendments to FPR 25.2 and Practice Directions 25B and 25C. The definition of a regulated expert would be inserted into FPR 25.2. The consultation closed on 6 June 2025.

Funding Higher Risk Organisations and Subcontractors Policy

The Department for Education (DfE) has published policy on identifying and managing 'high risk' education providers accessing post-16 funding streams. The policy defines risk criteria, the decision-making process, and possible funding actions DfE may take. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) closed on 31 March 2025, with all activity transferred to DfE. The policy was most recently updated on 10 February 2026 to expand risk identification criteria and clarify applicability.

AkzoNobel Axalta Merger Inquiry Invitation to Comment

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a preliminary merger inquiry into the anticipated acquisition of Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. by Akzo Nobel N.V. The CMA is inviting comments from any interested party on the potential impact of the transaction on competition in the UK market. Comments will be accepted until 1 May 2026. This invitation to comment is the first stage of information gathering before the formal Phase 1 investigation commences.

Breach of Union Rules Decision: McGaughey & Blake v UCU

The Certification Officer issued a decision under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 in McGaughey & Blake v UCU. Following a hearing on 10 February and 3 March 2026, the Certification Officer refused six of seven complaints alleging breaches of union rules regarding appointment or election to union office. One complaint was upheld in part, though no enforcement order was made.

UK Self-Driving Vehicle Framework Call for Evidence

The UK government has launched a call for evidence to shape the regulatory framework for self-driving vehicles in Great Britain. The consultation seeks views on safety features, authorization, licensing, incident investigation, and cybersecurity measures to implement the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. The sector is projected to create 38,000 jobs and generate £42 billion for the UK economy by 2035, with a passenger piloting scheme planned for spring 2026.

Self-Driving Vehicle Pilot Scheme: Application Guidance for Spring 2026

The UK Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and Department for Transport published guidance on 31 March 2026 outlining the application process for self-driving vehicle pilot deployments. From spring 2026, companies may apply to operate commercial self-driving vehicle services without a safety driver on roads in England, Scotland, and Wales. The guidance covers safety, operational, and reporting requirements for applicants.

Prospect v Nokia - Central Arbitration Committee Decision

The Central Arbitration Committee issued a decision on an application brought by the trade union Prospect against Nokia. The decision addresses the dispute between the parties, setting out the CAC panel's views, considerations of both sides, and the final ruling. The decision applies to England, Scotland, and Wales.

Unite the Union v HCS Water Treatment Ltd - Acceptance Decision TUR1/1529(2026)

The Central Arbitration Committee issued its Acceptance Decision in case TUR1/1529(2026) between Unite the Union and HCS Water Treatment Ltd. The decision was published on 24 February 2026 and the Acceptance Decision was issued on 13 April 2026, with the case falling under CAC jurisdiction for trade union recognition matters.

BECTU vs Continuum Group Acceptance Decision TUR1/1530

The Central Arbitration Committee issued its Acceptance Decision in case TUR1/1530(2026) concerning BECTU a sector of Prospect and The Continuum Group Ltd. The decision addresses trade union recognition matters and sets out the panel's considerations and final ruling on the issue in dispute between the parties.

CWU v 15gifts Ltd - Trade Union Recognition Application Decision

The Central Arbitration Committee issued a decision on an application from the Communication Workers Union (CWU) against 15gifts Ltd. The decision addresses the dispute between the parties, including the views of both sides and the panel's considerations and final determination. The outcome applies to employers in England, Scotland and Wales.

Evri Premium Dispute - Central Arbitration Committee Decision

The Central Arbitration Committee issued a decision on an application under paragraph 112 of Part IV of Schedule A1 concerning a dispute between Evri and Unite the Union regarding the Evri Premium. The decision, published 15 April 2026, sets out the CAC panel's views, considerations, and final determination on the matter. The ruling applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

AAIB Report: Cagatay CGT-50 UAS Wing Separation in Flight at Radnor Range

The AAIB published its investigation report into the 5 October 2023 wing separation accident involving a Cagatay CGT-50 UAS at Radnor Range, Powys. The investigation found that wing joiners shorter than design specification were inadvertently fitted from old stock, combined with a wing design that allowed joiner movement and no symmetry-checking procedures during assembly, resulting in uneven bending loads on the forward wing joiner. The manufacturer subsequently introduced dimensional tolerances, component quality checks, serial numbers for wing joiners, design modifications, and assembly procedures.

Ethylbromazolam Review Recommends Class C Control Under Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs published a review on 14 April 2026 recommending that the novel benzodiazepine ethylbromazolam be made a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and added to Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The recommendation is based on evidence of misuse and harms associated with the substance.

Government Response to ACMD 3 Medicines Reports on Drug Scheduling

The UK government agrees with ACMD recommendations to control three growth hormones (somapacitan, lonapegsomatropin, somatrogon) under Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and Schedule 4 (Part 2) of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Ganaxolone will not be scheduled at this time. Zuranolone will be controlled under Class C and Schedule 4 (Part I) for treatment of post-natal depression.

Boris Johnson Post-Government Appointments, Multiple Rule Breaches

ACOBA reported multiple breaches of the Business Appointment Rules by Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The breaches involve unpaid roles with Better Earth Ltd and paid positions with BIA Advisory and Merlyn Advisors Ltd. The Committee issued breach notifications to both Johnson and the Cabinet Office regarding these appointments made after leaving Crown service.

FCA Consults on Cryptoasset Perimeter Guidance

The FCA is consulting on perimeter guidance to help firms understand how the UK crypto regulatory regime applies to them. The guidance covers five regulated activities: issuing qualifying stablecoins, operating trading platforms, dealing and arranging deals in qualifying cryptoassets, safeguarding cryptoassets, and staking. The consultation closes on 3 June 2026, with the full crypto regime becoming effective from October 2027 and the authorisation gateway opening on 30 September 2026.

Marine Licensing (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment etc.) Order 2026

The UK Secretary of State has published a draft Statutory Instrument under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 to implement obligations under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement. The Order adds four new licensable marine activities (items 14-17) covering deposit of substances and scuttling of vessels in areas beyond national jurisdiction, applicable to British vessels, aircraft, marine structures, and UK persons. The draft is awaiting approval by resolution of each House of Parliament before coming into force.

F680 Expiry Date on SPIRE - Transition to Apply to Export Controlled Goods

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is transitioning MOD security approval form 680 (F680) processing from the SPIRE system to the 'Apply to Export Controlled Goods' service. From 31 July 2026, F680 applications will no longer be processed on SPIRE. Exporters must set up an account on the new service and transition their F680 applications by the deadline. US UNCLASSIFIED ITAR applications remain an exception and must continue using SPIRE.

Oil & Gas Offshore Decommissioning Guidance, UKCS

OPRED published guidance on decommissioning offshore oil and gas installations and pipelines on the UK Continental Shelf under the Petroleum Act 1998. Operators must submit decommissioning programmes identifying all equipment, infrastructure, and materials, along with proposed decommissioning solutions for each item. OPRED invites public comments on programmes and has published financial assurance guidance outlining how it assesses operators' financial capability to carry out decommissioning.

Kyla Field Development Decision

OPRED issued a decision on the Kyla Field Development project proposed by Serica Energy Ltd. The decision is accompanied by a full Environmental Statement (Part 1 and Part 2, totalling over 500 pages) and a public consultation notice published on 10 April 2026. The project falls under the Offshore Petroleum Licensing regime and requires compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment regulations.

Qualification Reform Hub: Major Reforms to Vocational and Academic Qualifications

Ofqual announced major qualification reforms in England including new V Levels, Foundation Certificates, and Occupational Certificates to create clearer pathways for post-16 students into higher education and employment. V Levels will sit alongside A Levels and T Levels as a new family of qualifications. GCSEs will see reduced examination time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for students taking 8 or 9 subjects. Reforms will be introduced in phases across different subject areas.

Implements Apprenticeship Assessment Regulatory Framework with Conditions AA1-AA9

Ofqual has implemented the regulatory framework for Apprenticeship Assessment largely as proposed in its consultation. The framework introduces nine new Conditions (AA1-AA9) governing apprenticeship assessment qualifications, including requirements for compliance with assessment plans, assessment strategies, content standards, standard setting, and qualification levels. Additional guidance covers assessment design, grading, marking approaches, conflicts of interest, and centre arrangements. The framework applies to all apprenticeship assessment qualifications in England.

GCA Launches Targeted Investigation Into Amazon for Payment Delays 2022-2025

The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) has launched a targeted investigation into Amazon.com, Inc. to determine whether it breached paragraph 5 (No delay in Payments) of the Groceries Code. The investigation covers the period from 1 March 2022 to 20 June 2025, with focus on practices since 1 January 2024. The GCA has reasonable grounds to suspect breaches based on evidence from multiple sources regarding payment delays, receipt of goods processes, and settlement practices affecting suppliers.