The Arbitration Act 2025 has received Royal Assent

The Arbitration Act, based closely on Law Commission recommendations, has completed its passage through Parliament and received Royal Assent today (24 February 2025). 

The Law Commission was asked by the Government to review the Arbitration Act 1996, to determine whether there might be any amendments to be made in order to ensure that it is fit for purpose and that it continues to promote the UK as a leading destination for commercial arbitration.

Following a consultation period, the Law Commission published its recommendations in September 2023. 

Sir Peter Fraser, Chair of the Law Commission said, 

“The passage of the Arbitration Act 2025 marks a significant milestone in further enhancing the UK’s arbitration landscape, and bolstering the primary position of English law globally in this important field. By enacting the Law Commission’s recommendations and proposed changes to the Arbitration Act 1996, we not only strengthen the arbitration framework but also reaffirm the UK’s position as providing the best choice of law for commercial arbitration across the world. This will help to keep the UK a leading destination for commercial arbitration.”

Further information about our Arbitration law reform project, including our recommendations, can be found on the project page.