United Kingdom: Terrorism, Homeland Security & Defence

Former soldier and MP Tobias Ellwood examines the fragmentation of the international order and draws parallels with the pre-World War II era, exploring how authoritarianism, Western isolationism, and emerging technologies are reshaping global conflict. The discussion addresses the critical importance of strong leadership, international alliances, and defending the rules-based international system to prevent a more divided and dangerous future.

The UK's defence sector is undergoing a fundamental shift as private capital becomes essential to meeting ambitious security goals. With government spending alone insufficient to drive the innovation...

The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSIA) came into force on 4 January 2022, creating a standalone regime giving the UK Government broad powers to scrutinise – and potentially intervene in – acquisitions and investments on the grounds of protecting national security. Nearly five years on, the NSIA regime is well established. It replaced the national security aspects of the UK Government’s intervention powers under the Enterprise Act 2002 and operates alongside the UK merger control regime.

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) represents a transformative approach to international defence collaboration, uniting the UK, Italy and Japan in developing a next-generation combat air system by 2035. This initiative goes beyond traditional fighter aircraft development, introducing a 'system of systems' approach that integrates advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, secure data networks and multi-domain operations. With potential expansion to include additional partners such as Canad

U.K.-based defense software companies face a critical legal obstacle when seeking U.S. patent protection: mandatory U.K. filing requirements that trigger government security screening, potentially blocking the very international applications they need. How can companies navigate the intersection of software patentability standards, national security restrictions, and criminal liability risks?

The UK Government has issued new guidance placing national security at the centre of public procurement decisions in four critical sectors: shipbuilding, steel, artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure. Procurement Policy Note 025 introduces a more interventionist approach, requiring contracting authorities to assess supply chain resilience and consider the national security exemption under the Procurement Act 2023 on a case-by-case basis. In-scope organisations must now engage early with designate

Four years on from the entry into force of the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSIA), the UK Government is set to implement its first update to the mandatory notification categories, increasing the number of “sensitive sectors” under the regime.

The UK Government has now confirmed that it will lay secondary legislation before Parliament later this year to implement the anticipated reforms to the UK's National Security and Investment Act 2021 ("NSI Act") regime.

The UK Information Commissioner's Office has published updated guidance following the Data (Use and Access) Act, introducing a new "recognised legitimate interest" lawful basis alongside traditional legitimate interests.