Planning analysis: On 1 September 2025, the government launched a consultation seeking views on streamlining the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process. Building on previous reforms, it proposes wide-ranging changes to support the goal of consenting 150 infrastructure projects this term. Responses are invited by 27 October 2025. Key updates include guidance on pre-application engagement and acceptance now the requirements have changed. The role of statutory bodies is also under the microscope, with views sought on performance indicators and cost recovery guidance. It also addresses procedural challenges surrounding examination change requests, proposing flexibility for Examining Authorities, as well as greater flexibility for the fast-track and pre-application services to improve uptake. This article was written by Olivia Heininger, an associate at Burges Salmon in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase team.

Relevant articles on the Market Abuse Regulation The Lexis+® UK Financial Services team have published articles on the Market Abuse Regulation, which are set out in the links in the table below. Date News analysis Brief description of the article 1 September 2017 Clarifying the scope of MAR: some suggestive indicative factors (2017) 8 JIBFL 491 John Ahern of Jones Day discusses the FMLC’s paper identifying legal uncertainties arising in the context of the Market Abuse Regulation. 1 January 2017 Market Soundings: 10 Introductory Q&A (2017) 1 JIBFL 40 Julia Machin of Clifford Chance discusses common issues

Objects Is it necessary or appropriate for the company to restrict its objects? If the company was incorporated before 1 October 2009, check if any of the objects stated in its memorandum of association need deleting (by way of a members’ special resolution). Application of model articles Determine if the model articles are to apply to the company. If the company was incorporated before 1 October 2009, consider whether Table A should still apply (if not previously amended). Determine what, if any, of the model articles should not apply to the company. Board of directors How many directors will be on the board? Which of the managers will be directors? How many directors will the investor have the right to appoint to the board? What is the quorum for board meetings? Does the chair (or other director) have a second or casting vote? Are fees payable to the investor directors and/or chair? If so, what are they? Set out administrative matters relating to the board (eg frequency of meetings, location, quorum, minimum notice, agenda of meetings, alternates)? What

Objects Is it necessary or appropriate for the company to restrict its objects? If the company was incorporated before 1 October 2009, check if any of the objects stated in its memorandum of association need deleting (by way of a members’ special resolution). Application of model articles Determine if the model articles are to apply to the company. If the company was incorporated before 1 October 2009, consider whether Table A should still apply (if not previously amended). Determine what, if any, of the model articles should not apply to the company. Board of directors How many directors will be on the board? Which of the founders will be directors? How many directors will the investor have the right to appoint to the board? What is the quorum for board meetings? Does the chair (or another director) have a second or casting vote? Are fees payable to the investor directors and/or chair? If so, what are they? Set out administrative matters relating to the board (eg frequency of meetings, location, quorum, minimum notice, agenda of meetings,

The concept of articles as contract stands for the proposition that the articles of association may constitute a contract between members of the company or directors and the company.

Any provisions in a company's articles which are at variance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006) are void.

TMT analysis: The High Court has held that articles published on the website antisemitism.uk contained an expression of opinion carrying the meaning that Tony Greenstein (the claimant) was anti-Semitic. The matter was dealt with as a preliminary issue in libel proceedings against the group Campaign Against Antisemitism (the defendant), who allegedly published the articles. The court also gave guidance on the impact of hyperlinked material upon the assessment of an article’s meaning within defamation proceedings.

The principal constitutional document of a company, dealing with management and administration issues, most notably powers of directors, transfer and issue of shares, and board and member meetings. The articles form the fundamental contract between the company and the shareholders and must be available for public inspection at Companies House.

Articles of association set out a company's internal rules and are required for all registered companies.

Where a limited company registered in England and Wales is used as the vehicle for a joint venture (JV), articles of association (articles) of the joint venture company (JVC) will be required. The parties will usually include in the articles certain specific terms agreed between them, which will be supplemented by the provisions of the joint venture agreement (JVA). Statutory framework for articles of association Limited companies incorporated in England and Wales on and after 1 October 2009 are registered under the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). A company formed under CA 2006 must have articles which will be either the relevant model articles or articles which exclude or modify the relevant model articles. Articles which exclude or modify the model articles must be registered with Companies House. If no articles are registered with Companies House, the relevant model articles will apply to the company. For more information on a limited company’s constitution, see Practice Note: A company’s constitution. Whether or not a company's articles exclude or modify the model articles, the company's

A company limited by guarantee need not register its articles of association.

Companies Act 2006 Private Company Limited By Shares Articles of Association of [insert name of company] Limited (Incorporated in England and Wales under registered no. [insert number]) (Adopted by Special Resolution passed on [insert date] 20[insert year]) 1 Model Articles 1.1 The Model Articles shall apply to the Company, except insofar as they are modified or excluded by these Articles or are inconsistent with these Articles, and, subject to any such modifications, exclusions or inconsistencies, shall together with these Articles constitute the articles of association of the Company to the exclusion of any other articles or regulations set out in any statute or in any statutory instrument or other subordinate legislation. 1.2 The whole of Model Articles 11(2) (quorum for directors’ meetings), 12 (chairing of directors’ meetings), 13 (casting vote), 14(1)-(5) (conflicts of interest), 21 (all shares to be fully paid up), 26(5) (share transfers), 30(5)-(7) (procedure for declaring dividends), 39 (chairing general meetings), 42 (voting: general), 44(2) (poll votes), 50 (no right to inspect accounts and other records), 51 (provision for employees on cessation of business), 52 (indemnity) and 53 (insurance) shall not apply to the Company. 1.3 Any