On 16 July 2025, the UK government published the <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/905/made" target="_blank" class="news-text_link">Arbitration Act 2025 (Commencement) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/905)</a>, which will bring significant reforms to the <span class="news-text_italic-underline">Arbitration Act 1996</span> (“<span class="news-text_medium">AA 1996</span>”). On 17 July 2025, the UK government confirmed that the substantive provisions of the <span class="news-text_italic-underline">Arbitration Act 2025</span> (“<span class="news-text_medium">AA 2025</span>”) will enter into force on 1 August 2025. These provisions, which implement the recommendations of the Law Commission’s review of English arbitration law, will bring significant changes to the AA 1996. The reforms aim to modernise the arbitration framework, enhance efficiency and ensure that the UK remains a leading jurisdiction for international arbitration.
The UK’s Minister for Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC MP, wrote to various arbitration institutions and other stakeholders on 17 July 2025, confirming that the regulations under section 17(2) of the AA 2025 will bring the substantive provisions (sections 1-15) into force. The AA 2025, which received Royal Assent on 24 February 2025, includes several key amendments to the AA 1996, addressing areas such as:
The changes introduced by the AA 2025 will apply to arbitrations and arbitration-related court proceedings commenced on or after 1 August 2025. However, they will not affect ongoing proceedings or court cases related to arbitrations that were pending before this date.
The regulations required to implement these provisions, as permitted by section 17(2) of the AA 2025, have not yet been published. Once in force, these provisions will significantly alter the arbitration landscape in the UK, providing greater clarity and efficiency for both domestic and international arbitration participants.
