Law

I started this page more for my own reference than anything else, but I might share if its useful..

Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill

Described simply as “A Bill to make provision regarding the safe storage, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries; and for connected purposes.” This private members’ bill from the House of Lords never made it past the 2nd reading in September 2024. But regulation is needed, so I’m keeping this here to remind me to look for new proposals.

The Battery Energy Storage (Planning and Regulation) Bill

2nd reading planned for 15 January 2027.

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act (2025)

Known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ following the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.  It will require those in control of some premises or events to take steps to reduce the vulnerability of the premises or event to, and the risk of physical harm to individuals arising from, acts of terrorism; to confer related functions on the Security Industry Authority. Proposals are for two levels – one for events or premises holding between 200 and 799 people, and a hire tier of expectations for events of 800 or more people. Places of worship fall into the lower tier even when there are 800 or more people.

Guidance from the SIA has been trickling out slowly since the Act received Royal Assent.

Supply of Machinery (Safety) (Amendment etc.) and the EU Machinery Regulation (Enforcement etc. in Northern Ireland) Regulations 2026

This will come into force on 20 January 2027 – it has to, because on the same date the updated EU Machinery Regulation (see the link for the longer title) will come into force across the EU, including the Republic of Ireland, and hence Northern Ireland needs to keep in step. It will update the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 too, such that the rest of the UK will also be in synchronisation with EU law. CE marking will continue to be recognised in the UK, and used by UK manufacturers exporting to EU countries. In reality, there is little point in using UKCA marking.