Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This subtopic contains materials, commentary and analysis on the public law implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, together with links to related guidance and policy documents.

Coronavirus legislation

Legislation was key to the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, ensuring that actions were taken on a clear and secure legal basis. Central to the legislative response was the passage of the Coronavirus Act 2020 (CA 2020), which received Royal Assent on 25 March 2020. This emergency legislation was fast-tracked to provide the government, devolved administrations and authorities in the UK with extensive powers to respond to the pandemic. For background reading, see: Coronavirus (COVID-19)—emergency legislation receives Royal Assent, LNB News 26/03/2020 4 and Coronavirus Act 2020, LNB News 26/03/2020 3.

While passing CA 2020, Parliament also passed the Contingencies Fund Act 2020, increasing the capital limit of the Contingencies Fund to allow for additional expenditure on account. This was done to enable departments to access cashflow required to fund measures introduced as part of the coronavirus response. For details, see: Contingencies Fund Act 2020, LNB News 26/03/2020 2.

The

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EC and UK publish joint guidance on enhanced cross-border cooperation framework

The European Commission and the United Kingdom have published new guidance for policymakers, stakeholders and businesses involved in cross-border cooperation following the 19 May 2025 summit. This updated guidance outlines the conclusions of the exploratory talks documented in the Common Understanding and sets forth a comprehensive framework for enhanced bilateral cooperation in several key policy areas. Subjects covered in this guidance include measures to strengthen security and defence—particularly through the newly established Security and Defence Partnership, which aims to support joint initiatives ranging from support for Ukraine to countering hybrid threats and enhancing crisis management and cyber security. In addition, the guidance details commitments to bolster maritime security and safety, deepen development and disaster cooperation and advance health security through improved detection and response to emerging health threats. On the people-to-people front, the guidance explains initiatives to enhance cultural, educational and youth exchanges through the development of a balanced youth experience scheme and the potential association of the United Kingdom with the Erasmus+ programme. It also underscores continued efforts to ensure smooth border management, including the use of eGates for facilitating travel. Economic cooperation is addressed by proposing measures to strengthen energy and electricity market ties. This includes exploring the United Kingdom’s participation in the EU’s internal electricity market, establishing a Common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area to streamline the movement of agrifood products  and linking the respective emissions trading systems to promote both a level playing field and environmental objectives. The guidance additionally covers provisions aimed at improving business mobility and safeguarding tariff-free trade in sectors such as steel. Furthermore, the document emphasises reinforced internal security and judicial cooperation through enhanced law enforcement collaboration, data exchanges—including biometric data—and expedited mutual legal assistance, as well as a coordinated approach to managing irregular migration. While the foundational agreements—the Withdrawal Agreement (including the Windsor Framework) and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement—remain the cornerstone of EU–UK relations, both parties continue to review and update guidance documents in light of evolving legal and practical changes. Further guidance may be issued as additional operational details are finalised, so stakeholders are advised to monitor the respective webpages for updates.

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