The UK Government has unveiled sweeping plans to reorganize local government structures across England and expand devolution. Six new potential devolution areas have been announced for mayoral elections in May 2026. All 21 two-tier local authority areas will be legally invited to submit proposals for new unitary council structures. To facilitate this reorganization, local elections in several areas including East Sussex, Essex, Hampshire and Surrey will be postponed from May 2025 to May 2026. The Government is committed to moving all two-tier areas to simpler unitary structures and will introduce a new English devolution bill with accountability measures for mayors. These changes aim to cover 80% of England's population with devolved powers by 2026.

The UK Government has concluded its review of the UK Internal Market Act 2020 following a public consultation that sought views on trade in goods, services, professional qualifications and the role of the Office for the Internal Market. The consultation attracted 85 responses from businesses, academics, representative organisations and environmental groups, alongside engagement with devolved administrations. The review aimed to identify areas for improvement in the Act’s operation and ensure processes work effectively across all four nations.

Information Law analysis: It is common knowledge that a number of AI models were launched in 2023/2024 that have a transformational impact on our daily lives. At the same time, the current geopolitical situation has led to a less publicised, but still crucial, focus on cybersecurity. Recognising this, the UK Government published a call for views on the cybersecurity of AI focusing on the cybersecurity risks to AI, rather than the security risks caused by AI (which are also not insignificant). This led to the publication of the Code of Practice for the Cyber Security of AI on 31 January 2025 (the Code).

Previously in August 2025, the UK Government responded to announce its intention to implement the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)’s recommendations for the control of named semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs), the generic control of SSCs, and the control of THC precursors (THCAs) as Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (‘the 1971 Act’), Schedule 1 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (‘the 2001 Regulations’) and the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (England, Wales and Scotland) Order 2015 (‘the 2015 Order’). The ACMD also recommended that the government consult with stakeholders on the generic control proposed for SSCs. On 11 May 2026, the UK Government released a letter to announce its intentions following that consultation. First, to proceed in accordance with the ACMD’s recommendations for the generic control of SSCs. Second, despite a concern that about the potential effect of the control of THCAs on consumer cannabidiol (CBD) products that may contain small quantities of THCAs and other products in what is described as the 'health food/hemp and CBD products sector', the government will proceed with the control of THCAs as Class B named substances under the 1971 Act, Schedule 1 to the 2001 Regulations and the 2015 Order in light of the ACMD evidence on the potential harmfulness of THCAs, (as they can be converted to THC, which is known to have harmful effects, by heating) which are currently unregulated. It noted that in relation to the use of THCAs in research, the government has already set out its intention with respect to research with Schedule 1 drugs in its response of 16 July 2025 to the ACMD’s ‘part 2’ recommendations on barriers to research. It further noted that Consumer CBD products can be exempt from most controls under the 1971 Act if they meet the conditions for exemption under the 2001 Regulations, as set out in the government’s guidance.

The UK Government has issued a response to the Committee on standards' report on the regulation of MPs' standards and conduct. Key developments include the publication of a new Ministerial Code on 6 November 2024, featuring improved transparency measures for gifts and hospitality. The government plans to establish an independent Ethics and Integrity Commission to ensure probity in government. Additionally, the government expressed support for creating a centralised website to explain the standards landscape and is open to dialogue on aligning thresholds for regulated donations under PPERA with the House of Commons standards system. The response also indicates a commitment to working with relevant committees to review the interaction between the Recall of MPs Act 2015 and House sanctions, as well as considering clarification of procedures surrounding Independent Expert Panel recommendations and recall petitions.

The UK Government has issued a response to the House of Lords Constitution Committee's report on intergovernmental relations and the Sewel Convention. Key developments include the establishment of a Council of Nations and Regions to enhance collaboration between UK and devolved governments and a commitment to create a new Memorandum of Understanding on legislation and the Sewel Convention. The government plans to update the Devolution Guidance Notes and emphasises the importance of positive engagement and early consultation on legislation affecting devolved matters. Notably, there are no plans to make the Sewel Convention legally binding. The response underscores the government's commitment to improving intergovernmental relations while maintaining the convention's political nature.

The UK Government has imposed sanctions on criminal networks facilitating people-smuggling through Western Balkans routes, targeting 13 individuals and entities under the Global Irregular Migration Sanctions Regime. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans against the Kosovo-based Krasniqi forgery network, Croatian gang leader Nusret Seferović, and the ALPA Trading financial network. This represents the second sanctions package since the regime launched, with the government also announcing £10m investment to combat people-smuggling across the region.

The UK Government has announced that it is suspending 30 military export licences to Israel, out of a total of 350 licences in total for items which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza, having determined that there is a clear risk that they might be used in a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The Business Secretary holds ultimate authority over the UK’s export licensing process, including the decision to grant or refuse an export license and where necessary, to amend, suspend or revoke extant licences. In accordance with the UK’s legal requirements and following a thorough process, the UK Government has determined that there is a clear risk that military exports to Israel, where used for military operations in Gaza, might be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law. The Business Secretary has therefore instructed officials to suspend licences for exports to Israel, where it has been assessed that those items are being used for military operations in Gaza.

The UK Health Security Agency has published a guidance for the 2025-2026 flu vaccination season. The update maintains existing eligible cohorts whilst introducing changes to vaccine recommendations and administration timelines. Notable modifications include the shift to trivalent formulations, following WHO advice on B/Yamagata lineage exclusion and the extension of adjuvanted influenza vaccine (aTIV) licensing to those aged 50 and over. The guidance emphasises the use of first-line vaccines, with a clear hierarchy for different age groups and clinical risk categories. It also outlines revised timings for vaccine administration, with the adult programme commencing in October and the children's programme in September. Healthcare providers are instructed on procurement strategies, data collection requirements and the importance of addressing health inequalities in vaccine uptake.

Arbitration analysis: In this case, France and Spain requested leave to appeal a UK High Court decision dismissing their case under section 69(8) of the Arbitration Act of 1996 (AA 1996). The court granted leave on the issue of ‘equitable compensation’, finding the issue to be one ‘of general importance on which an appeal stands a real prospect of success’. The court refused Spain’s request for leave to appeal the finding that Spain breached its equitable obligation to arbitrate and/or acted unconscionably under AA 1996, s 69(8), finding that the issue was not ‘of general importance’ under AA 1996, s 69(8). Spain also applied for leave to appeal the court’s registration order decision and submitted a request for a ‘leapfrog certificate’ under section 12 of the Administration of Justice Act 1969 (AJA 1969). The court granted leave to appeal the registration order decision, which it found to have met the low threshold for showing a ‘realistic prospect of success’. However, the court refused to grant the leapfrog certificate, finding that it was not a matter ‘of general public importance’. Written by Charles H. Camp, president, and Meghan Briggs and Francis Policastri, law clerks, Law Offices of Charles H. Camp, PC, Washington, DC.

The UK Intellectual Property Office and the US Patent and Trade Mark Office have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to contribute in their work on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs). The MoU will allow both offices to work collaboratively on specific matters related to SEPs, including conducting outreach activity to raise awareness of SEPs issues. The agreement will remain in effect for five years from the date of signature.

Environment analysis: Invest 2035, the government’s industrial strategy green paper, was launched at the International Investment Summit on 14 October 2024. The completed version of this green paper is expected in April 2025 to coincide with the spending review. This will constitute a ten-year plan, 2025 to 2035, which period of time is thought to offer ‘certainty and stability’ for business. Whereas the Industrial Strategy Council was highly critical of Boris Johnson’s neglect of Theresa May’s industrial strategy, the Labour Government appears to view an industrial strategy as key to its plans for economic growth. Robert Lee, Professor at the University of Birmingham, comments on the Strategy.