The UK government has announced their intention to stop commencement of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, has expressed her decision to ‘to stop further commencement of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, in order to consider options, including its repeal.’

Law360: The government said it will raise the fixed damages for 'whiplash' neck injuries suffered in motor accidents by 15% to account for inflation, but claimant groups say the planned increase does not go far enough.

Law360, London: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has laid out its plans to use artificial intelligence to address court backlogs and other longstanding issues facing the justice system.

Commercial analysis: On 30 July 2025, the UK Government announced a package of legislative proposals to tackle late payments and ensure businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are paid on time. The government has also launched a public consultation to gather feedback on the proposed measures—this closes on 23 October 2025. Written by Victoria Hobbs, partner at Bird & Bird.

The UK government has updated the guidance on the Register of Overseas Entities: approach to enforcement by providing information about formal notices under section 1092A of the Companies Act 2006, which now applies to the Register of Overseas Entities.

Law360: In its pre-Budget submission to HM Treasury, the Association of Consulting Actuaries (ACA) stated that the government should consult widely and take time to implement any reform to pension taxation as it joins a growing number of organisations urging caution over potential tax changes ahead of the upcoming Budget.

Law360, London: The government announced plans on 17 December 2025 to introduce legislation to resolve the uncertainty around third-party litigation funding in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's PACCAR decision, ending months of speculation.

Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State has decided not to accept a notification from members of the Northern Ireland Assembly in relation to the EU Chemical Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation. This means that it does not intend to activate the 'Stormont Brake' mechanism under the Windsor Framework. As a result, the new EU Regulation will apply in Northern Ireland.Benn explained his decision in a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly. In it he says he has not been persuaded that the EU amending regulation would have a significant impact specific to everyday life of communities in Northern Ireland in a way that is liable to persist. He goes on to say that the UK government will now consult on applying a consistent regime in this area across the United Kingdom, should this be required to safeguard the UK internal market.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have published its response to the public consultation on its proposal to amend the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to support the ongoing supply and access to vaccines across the UK. The consultation feedback was generally positive and the government confirmed it would proceed with the changes. The proposal is to make several COVID‑19–era regulatory flexibilities permanent to support a more resilient UK vaccination system. Key changes included retaining Regulation 3A, which allows trained healthcare staff to complete the final assembly, preparation and labelling of vaccines without requiring additional manufacturer licences, thereby increasing workforce flexibility. Another proposal was to continue Regulation 19 (4A–4D), enabling the redistribution of COVID‑19 and influenza vaccines between NHS providers without a wholesale dealer’s licence. Additional reforms extended to community pharmacies, allowing them to deliver vaccinations off‑site and prepare vaccines away from registered premises, aimed at improving access. The government also proposed introducing Vaccine Group Directions to replace national protocols and support a broader vaccination workforce.

Law360, London: The government's demand that regulators should prioritise growth is 'largely incompatible' with their duty to deter misconduct, say lawyers who are warning clients not to interpret the political messaging as a green light to engage in risky behavior.

MLex: Guidance for companies on the UK's new offence of failure to prevent fraud should be issued in summer 2024, the country's home affairs ministry has said.

Law360, London: Home insurance premiums increased 14% year-on-year from October 2024 to December 2024, a price comparison site has said, but the period saw a 'slowing' growth rate compared to the period from July 2024 and September 2024.