United Kingdom: Government, Public Sector

Angela Gregson of Weightmans and Sean Ryan of Whitney Moore compare Ireland's new foreign direct investment screening regime with the UK's established National Security and Investment Act, examining when notification is required, key procedural differences, and practical steps to navigate both frameworks. The analysis draws on recent annual reports to reveal how these regimes are operating in practice and what reforms are on the horizon.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership entered into force between Canada and the United Kingdom on September 1, 2026, fundamentally reshaping bilateral trade relations and investment frameworks. This development arrives as Canada actively diversifies away from U.S. trade dependence while the UK advances its post-Brexit global strategy, creating expanded market access for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

International businesses face a critical challenge that often determines whether market entry succeeds or fails: securing banking access in foreign markets. While incorporation and commercial strategies can move quickly...

The Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government has released a consultation on four standard planning agreements designed to streamline the section 106 process for medium-sized developments. Local planning authorities have until 20 October 2026 to contribute their perspectives on these template documents, which include bilateral agreements, unilateral undertakings, and affordable housing schedules for both full and outline planning permissions.

The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 introduces England's National Scheme of Delegation (NSoD), fundamentally reshaping how planning applications are decided between officers and committees. With implementation set for October 2026, local authorities face critical constitutional changes, including mandatory delegation categories, new referral gateways, and committee size restrictions that will require comprehensive operational preparation.

Stewarts Law Firm provides its expert response to the Department for Transport and Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles consultation on safety principles. The firm's submission addresses critical regulatory considerations for the future of autonomous vehicle deployment in the UK.

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced a series of strategic initiatives placing space at the heart of its defence, security and economic growth agenda, backed by £7.8 billion in funding until 2030. These developments include the launch of the UK's first dedicated military space squadron, a comprehensive national space strategy, and significant investment in novel technologies and regional space clusters. What opportunities will these announcements create for businesses, particularly SMEs, in the rap

Intellectual property rights face new challenges as 3D printing and additive manufacturing reshape the defence industry. Swedish aerospace firm GKN Aerospace's Project Otto demonstrates how these technologies enable ITAR-free engine designs, while collaborations with Pratt & Whitney pioneer large-scale structural components for military aircraft. The convergence of advanced manufacturing and IP protection raises critical questions about technology transfer, licensing arrangements, and patent strategies in a

Last month, Charles Russell Speechlys in collaboration with G3 hosted a breakfast seminar to unpack what the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) really means for UK SMEs.

Pull into any major rail interchange now and chances are you may see new gleaming GB Railfreight electric rolling stock. But that is not the only novel thing happening in the sector, there is much governmental activity to underpin desires for reindustrialisation and devolution. What is planned, by whom and how will it affect significant stakeholders?

The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 introduces England's National Scheme of Delegation (NSoD), fundamentally reshaping how planning applications are decided between officers and committees. With implementation set for October 2026, local authorities face critical constitutional changes, including mandatory delegation categories, new referral gateways, and committee size restrictions that will require comprehensive operational preparation.

Governments across the UK and Europe have announced ambitious infrastructure programmes they cannot fund alone, creating significant opportunities for private capital. As public authorities shift from subsidy-based models to regulatory reform, investors must navigate an increasingly complex web of concurrent regulatory regimes - from merger control and national security screening to data protection and PFI handback obligations - to successfully deploy capital in this evolving landscape.