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Arbitration Act 2025

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Arbitration Act 2025

2025 Chapter 4

An Act to amend the Arbitration Act 1996; and for connected purposes.

Enacted [24th February 2025]
Be it enacted by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Applicable law

I1I191 Law applicable to arbitration agreement

1 The Arbitration Act 1996 is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

6 Definition of arbitration agreement

subsections (1) – (2) unchanged

6A Law applicable to arbitration agreement

1 The law applicable to an arbitration agreement is—
a the law that the parties expressly agree applies to the arbitration agreement, or
b where no such agreement is made, the law of the seat of the arbitration in question.
2 For the purposes of subsection (1), agreement between the parties that a particular law applies to an agreement of which the arbitration agreement forms a part does not constitute express agreement that that law also applies to the arbitration agreement.
3 Subsection (1) does not apply to an arbitration agreement derived from a standing offer to submit disputes to arbitration where the offer is contained in—
a a treaty, or
b legislation of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom.
4 In this section— "legislation" includes any provision of a legislative character; "treaty" includes any international agreement (and any protocol or annex to a treaty or international agreement).
2 After section 6 insert—
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

2 Scope of application of provisions

subsection (1) unchanged

2 The following sections apply even if the seat of the arbitration is outside England and Wales or Northern Ireland or no seat has been designated or determined—
za section 6A (law applicable to arbitration agreement),
a sections 9 to 11 (stay of legal proceedings, &c.), and
b section 66 (enforcement of arbitral awards).

subsections (3) – (5) unchanged

3 In section 2 (scope of application of provisions), in subsection (2) after the opening words insert—
.

The arbitral tribunal

I2I202 Impartiality: duty of disclosure

1 The Arbitration Act 1996 is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

23 Revocation of arbitrator's authority

subsections (1) – (5) unchanged

23A Impartiality: duty of disclosure

1 An individual who has been approached by a person in connection with the individual's possible appointment as an arbitrator must, as soon as reasonably practical, disclose to the person any relevant circumstances of which the individual is, or becomes, aware.
2 An arbitrator must, as soon as reasonably practical, disclose to the parties to the arbitral proceedings any relevant circumstances of which the arbitrator is, or becomes, aware.
3 For the purposes of this section—
a "relevant circumstances", in relation to an individual, are circumstances that might reasonably give rise to justifiable doubts as to the individual's impartiality in relation to the proceedings, or potential proceedings, concerned, and
b an individual is to be treated as being aware of circumstances of which the individual ought reasonably to be aware.
2 After section 23 insert—
3 In Schedule 1 (mandatory provisions), after the entry for section 13, insert—
.

I3I213 Immunity of arbitrator: application for removal

1 The Arbitration Act 1996 is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

24 Power of court to remove arbitrator

subsections (1) – (5) unchanged

5A The court may not order the arbitrator to pay costs in proceedings under this section unless any act or omission of the arbitrator in connection with the proceedings is shown to have been in bad faith.
2 In section 24 (power of court to remove arbitrator), after subsection (5) insert—
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

29 Immunity of arbitrator

1 An arbitrator is not liable for anything done or omitted in the discharge or purported discharge of his functions as arbitrator unless the act or omission is shown to have been in bad faith (and see section 24(5A) (immunity in respect of costs of proceedings for removal)).

subsection (2) unchanged

3 In section 29(1) (general immunity of arbitrator), at the end insert “(and see section 24(5A) (immunity in respect of costs of proceedings for removal))”.

I4I224 Immunity of arbitrator: resignation

1 The Arbitration Act 1996 is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 2 changes, 1 deletion

25 Resignation of arbitratorResignation of arbitrator: entitlement to fees or expenses

1 The parties are free to agree with an arbitrator as to the consequences of his resignation as regards—
a his entitlement (if any) to fees or expenses, and.
b any liability incurred by him by reason of the resignation.
2 If or to the extent that there is no such agreement the following provisions apply.
3 If, in the absence of the agreement, it appears to the court that in all the circumstances it was reasonable for the arbitrator to resign, the court may make such order as it thinks fit with respect to his entitlement (if any) to fees or expenses, or the repayment of any fees or expenses already paid.Where an arbitrator resigns, a relevant person may (upon notice to the other relevant persons) apply to the court to make such order as it thinks fit with respect to the arbitrator's entitlement (if any) to fees or expenses or the repayment of any fees or expenses already paid.
4 The arbitrator concerned is entitled to apply to the court for relief from liability incurred as a result of his resignation (whether by omission or otherwise) unless any such liability is established.For the purposes of subsection (3), each of the parties and the arbitrator is a "relevant person".
5 The leave of the court is required for any appeal from a decision of the court under this section.
2 In section 25 (resignation of arbitrator)—
a in subsection (1), omit paragraph (b) (together with the “and” before it);
b for subsections (3) and (4) substitute—
;
c in the heading, at the end insert “: entitlement to fees or expenses”.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 2 insertions, 1 deletion

29 Immunity of arbitrator

1 An arbitrator is not liable for anything done or omitted in the discharge or purported discharge of his functions as arbitrator unless the act or omission is shown to have been in bad faith (and see section 24(5A) (immunity in respect of costs of proceedings for removal)).
2 Subsection (1) applies to an employee or agent of an arbitrator as it applies to the arbitrator himself.
3 An arbitrator's resignation does not of itself give rise to any liability unless the arbitrator had no reasonable excuse for resigning.
4 An arbitrator's resignation does not give rise to any liability for the arbitrator unless it is shown that the resignation was, in all the circumstances, unreasonable.
5 But subsection (4) is subject to—
a agreement reached between the parties and the arbitrator as mentioned in section 25(1)(a);
b an order made under section 25(3).
3 In section 29 (immunity of arbitrator)—
a omit subsection (3);
b at the end insert—
4 In the following provisions, for “25(3)(b)” substitute “25(3)”—
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 change

28 Joint and several liability of parties to arbitrators for fees and expenses

subsections (1) – (3) unchanged

4 The above provisions have effect subject to any order of the court under section 24(4) or 25(3)(b)25(3) (order as to entitlement to fees or expenses in case of removal or resignation of arbitrator).

subsections (5) – (6) unchanged

a section 28(4) (joint and several liability of parties to arbitrators for fees and expenses);
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 change

64 Recoverable fees and expenses of arbitrators

subsections (1) – (2) unchanged

3 Subsection (1) has effect subject to any order of the court under section 24(4) or 25(3)(b)25(3) (order as to entitlement to fees or expenses in case of removal or resignation of arbitrator).
4 Nothing in this section affects any right of the arbitrator to payment of his fees and expenses.
b section 64(3) (recoverable fees and expenses of arbitrators);
c paragraphs 3(2) and 10(2) of Schedule 2 (modifications in relation to judge-arbitrators).

Jurisdiction of tribunal

I5I235 Court determination of jurisdiction of tribunal

Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

32 Determination of preliminary point of jurisdiction

1 The court may, on the application of a party to arbitral proceedings (upon notice to the other parties), determine any question as to the substantive jurisdiction of the tribunal. A party may lose the right to object (see section 73).
1A An application under this section must not be considered to the extent that it is in respect of a question on which the tribunal has already ruled.

subsections (2) – (6) unchanged

In section 32 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (determination of preliminary point of jurisdiction), after subsection (1) insert—

I6I246 Power to award costs despite no substantive jurisdiction

1 Section 61 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (award of costs) is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 deletion

61 Award of costs

1 The tribunal may make an award allocating the costs of the arbitration as between the parties, subject to any agreement of the parties.

subsections (2) – (3) unchanged

2 In subsection (1), omit “, subject to any agreement of the parties”.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

61 Award of costs

1 The tribunal may make an award allocating the costs of the arbitration as between the parties.
1A It is irrelevant for the purposes of subsection (1) whether the tribunal has ruled, or a court has held, that the tribunal has no substantive jurisdiction or has exceeded its substantive jurisdiction.

subsections (2) – (3) unchanged

3 After subsection (1) insert—
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 deletion

61 Award of costs

subsection (1) unchanged

2 Unless the parties otherwise agree, theThe tribunal shall award costs on the general principle that costs should follow the event except where it appears to the tribunal that in the circumstances this is not appropriate in relation to the whole or part of the costs.

subsection (3) unchanged

4 In subsection (2), omit “Unless the parties otherwise agree,”.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

61 Award of costs

subsections (1) – (2) unchanged

3 Subsections (1), (1A) and (2) are subject to any agreement of the parties.
5 After subsection (2) insert—

Arbitral proceedings and powers of the court

I7I257 Power to make award on summary basis

Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

39 Power to make provisional awards

subsections (1) – (4) unchanged

39A Power to make award on summary basis

1 Unless the parties otherwise agree, the arbitral tribunal may, on an application made by a party to the proceedings (upon notice to the other parties), make an award on a summary basis in relation to a claim, or a particular issue arising in a claim, if the tribunal considers that—
a a party has no real prospect of succeeding on the claim or issue, or
b a party has no real prospect of succeeding in the defence of the claim or issue.
2 For the purposes of subsection (1), an arbitral tribunal makes an award "on a summary basis" in relation to a claim or issue if the tribunal has exercised its power under section 34(1) (to decide all procedural and evidential matters) with a view to expediting the proceedings on the claim or issue.
3 Before exercising its power under section 34(1) as mentioned in subsection (2), an arbitral tribunal must afford the parties a reasonable opportunity to make representations to the tribunal.
After section 39 of the Arbitration Act 1996 insert—

I8I268 Emergency arbitrators

1 The Arbitration Act 1996 is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

41 Powers of tribunal in case of party's default

subsections (1) – (7) unchanged

41A Emergency arbitrators

1 This section applies where—
a the parties have agreed to the application of rules that provide for the appointment of an individual as an emergency arbitrator, and
b an emergency arbitrator has been appointed pursuant to those rules.
2 Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, if without showing sufficient cause a party fails to comply with any order or directions of the emergency arbitrator, the emergency arbitrator may make a peremptory order to the same effect, prescribing such time for compliance with it as the emergency arbitrator considers appropriate.
2 After section 41 insert—
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 2 changes

41 Powers of tribunal in case of party's default

subsections (1) – (6) unchanged

7 If a party fails to comply with any other kind of peremptory order of the tribunal, then, without prejudice to section 42 (enforcement by court of tribunal's peremptory orders), the tribunal may do any of the following—

paragraphs (a) – (d) unchanged

3 In section 41(7) (peremptory orders of tribunal), in the opening words—
a after “peremptory order” insert “of the tribunal”;
b omit “tribunal’s”.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 5 changes

42 Enforcement of peremptory orders of tribunal or emergency arbitrator

1 Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the court may make an order requiring a party to comply with a peremptory order made by the tribunal or (as the case may be) the emergency arbitrator.
2 An application for an order under this section may be made—
a by the tribunal or the emergency arbitrator (upon notice to the parties),
b by a party to the arbitral proceedings with the permission of the tribunal or the emergency arbitrator (and upon notice to the other parties), or
c where the parties have agreed that the powers of the court under this section shall be available.
3 The court shall not act unless it is satisfied that the applicant has exhausted any available arbitral process in respect of failure to comply with the tribunal's orderperemptory order.
4 No order shall be made under this section unless the court is satisfied that the person to whom the tribunal's orderperemptory order was directed has failed to comply with it within the time prescribed in the order or, if no time was prescribed, within a reasonable time.
5 The leave of the court is required for any appeal from a decision of the court under this section.
4 In section 42 (enforcement of peremptory orders of tribunal)—
a in subsection (1), at the end insert “or (as the case may be) the emergency arbitrator”;
b in subsection (2)(a) and (b), after “the tribunal” insert “or the emergency arbitrator”;
c in subsection (3), for “tribunal’s order” substitute “peremptory order”;
d in subsection (4), for “tribunal’s order” substitute “peremptory order”;
e in the heading, at the end insert “or emergency arbitrator”.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 3 changes, 1 insertion

44 Court powers exercisable in support of arbitral proceedings

subsections (1) – (3) unchanged

4 If the case is not one of urgency, the court shall act only on the application of a party to the arbitral proceedings (upon notice to the other parties and to the tribunal or any arbitral institution vested by the parties with power in that regard) and with the permission of the tribunal or such institution.If the case is not one of urgency, the court may act only on the application of a party to the arbitral proceedings made with—
a the permission of the tribunal or (as the case may be) the emergency arbitrator, or
b the agreement in writing of the other parties.
4A An application under subsection (4) may be made only upon notice to the other parties and to the tribunal or the emergency arbitrator.
5 In any case the court shall act only if or to the extent that the arbitral tribunal or the emergency arbitrator, and any arbitral or other institution or person vested by the parties with power in that regard, has no power or is unable for the time being to act effectively.
6 If the court so orders, an order made by it under this section shall cease to have effect in whole or in part on the order of the tribunal, the emergency arbitrator or of any such arbitral or other institution or person having power to act in relation to the subject-matter of the order.

subsection (7) unchanged

5 In section 44 (court powers exercisable in support of arbitral proceedings)—
a for subsection (4) substitute—
;
b in subsection (5), after “tribunal” insert “or the emergency arbitrator”;
c in subsection (6), after “tribunal” insert “, the emergency arbitrator”.
6 In section 82(1) (minor definitions)—
a after the definition of “dispute” insert—
;
b in the definition of “peremptory order”, after “section 41(5)” insert “or 41A(2),”.
7 In section 83 (index of defined expressions), after the entry for “dispute” insert—
.

I9I279 Court powers exercisable in support of arbitral proceedings in respect of third parties

1 Section 44 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (court powers exercisable in support of arbitral proceedings) is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 insertion

44 Court powers exercisable in support of arbitral proceedings

1 Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the court has for the purposes of and in relation to arbitral proceedings the same power of making orders (whether in relation to a party or any other person) about the matters listed below as it has for the purposes of and in relation to legal proceedings.

subsections (2) – (7) unchanged

2 In subsection (1), after “making orders” insert “(whether in relation to a party or any other person)”.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 change, 1 insertion

44 Court powers exercisable in support of arbitral proceedings

subsections (1) – (6) unchanged

6A Subject to subsection (7), an appeal lies from a decision of the court under this section.
7 The leave of the court is required for any appeal from a decision of the court under this section.The leave of the court is required for any such appeal by a party or proposed party to the arbitral proceedings.
3 For subsection (7) substitute—

Powers of the court in relation to award

I10I2810 Challenging the award: remedies available to the court

1 Section 67 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (challenging the award: substantive jurisdiction) is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 change

67 Challenging the award: substantive jurisdiction

1 A party to arbitral proceedings may (upon notice to the other parties and to the tribunal) apply to the court—
a challenging any award of the arbitral tribunal as to its substantive jurisdiction; or
b challenging an award as to jurisdiction in the courts on the ground that the tribunal lacked substantive jurisdiction over the matter in dispute.challenging an award made by the tribunal on the merits because the tribunal did not have substantive jurisdiction.

subsections (2) – (3E) unchanged

2 In subsection (1), for paragraph (b) substitute—
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 change, 1 insertion

67 Challenging the award: substantive jurisdiction

subsections (1) – (2) unchanged

3 On an application under this section, the court may by order—
a confirm the award,
b vary the award,
c remit the award to the tribunal, in whole or in part, for reconsideration,
d set aside the award, in whole or in part, or
e declare the award to be of no effect, in whole or in part.
3A The court must not exercise its power to set aside or to declare an award to be of no effect, in whole or in part, unless it is satisfied that it would be inappropriate to remit the matters in question to the tribunal for reconsideration.

subsections (3B) – (3E) and (4) – (5) unchanged

3 For subsection (3) substitute—

I11I2911 Procedure on challenge under section 67 of the Arbitration Act 1996

Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 3 insertions

67 Challenging the award: substantive jurisdiction

subsections (1) – (3A) unchanged

3B Rules of court about the procedure to be followed on an application under this section may, in particular, include provision within subsection (3C) in relation to a case where the application—
a relates to an objection as to the arbitral tribunal's substantive jurisdiction on which the tribunal has already ruled, and
b is made by a party that took part in the arbitral proceedings.
3C Provision is within this subsection if it provides that subject to the court ruling otherwise in the interests of justice—
a a ground for the objection that was not raised before the arbitral tribunal must not be raised before the court unless the applicant shows that, at the time the applicant took part in the proceedings, the applicant did not know and could not with reasonable diligence have discovered the ground;
b evidence that was not put before the tribunal must not be considered by the court unless the applicant shows that, at the time the applicant took part in the proceedings, the applicant could not with reasonable diligence have put the evidence before the tribunal;
c evidence that was heard by the tribunal must not be re-heard by the court.
3D Subsection (3B) does not limit the generality of the power to make rules of court.

subsection (4) – (5) unchanged

In section 67 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (challenging the award: substantive jurisdiction), after subsection (3A) (as inserted by section 10(3)) insert—

I12I3012 Challenging the award: time limit

1 Section 70 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (challenge or appeal: supplementary provisions) is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 change

70 Challenge or appeal: supplementary provisions

subsections (1) – (2) unchanged

3 Any application or appeal must be brought within 28 days of the date of the award or, if there has been any arbitral process of appeal or review, of the date when the applicant or appellant was notified of the result of that processthe applicable date.

subsections (4) – (9) unchanged

2 In subsection (3), for the words from “the date of the award” to the end substitute “the applicable date”.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 2 insertions

70 Challenge or appeal: supplementary provisions

subsections (1) – (3) unchanged

3A In subsection (3), "the applicable date" means—
a in a case where there has been any arbitral process of appeal or review, the date when the applicant or appellant was notified of the result of that process;
b in a case where the tribunal has, under section 57, made a material correction to an award or has made a material additional award, the date of the correction or additional award;
c in a case where a material application for a correction to an award or for an additional award has been made to the tribunal under section 57 and the tribunal has decided not to grant the application, the date when the applicant or appellant was notified of that decision;
d in any other case, the date of the award.
3B For the purposes of subsection (3A)—
a a correction to an award,
b an additional award, or
c an application under section 57,
is "material" if any matter to which it relates is material to the application or appeal under section 67, 68 or 69.

subsections (4) – (9) unchanged

3 After subsection (3) insert—
4 At the end insert—

Appeals from High Court decisions

I13I3113 Appeals to Court of Appeal from High Court decisions

Amends Senior Courts Act 1981 · 1 change

18 Restrictions on appeals to Court of Appeal

1 No appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal—

paragraphs (a) – (fa) unchanged

g from any decision of the High Court under any of the provisions in Part 1 of the Arbitration Act 1996, except as provided for by those provisions.from a decision of the High Court under Part 1 of the Arbitration Act 1996 in a case where that Part makes provision about appeals from the decision, except in accordance with that provision;

paragraph (h) and subsections (1A) – (2) unchanged

1 In section 18(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981 (restrictions on appeals to Court of Appeal), for paragraph (g) substitute—
.
Amends Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978 · 1 change

35 Appeals from High Court to Court of Appeal

2 No appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal—

paragraphs (a) – (f) unchanged

fa from any decision of the High Court under any of the provisions in Part 1 of the Arbitration Act 1996, except as provided for by those provisions;from a decision of the High Court under Part 1 of the Arbitration Act 1996 in a case where that Part makes provision about appeals from the decision, except in accordance with that provision;

remaining paragraphs unchanged

2 In section 35(2) of the Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978 (appeals to Court of Appeal from High Court), for paragraph (fa) substitute—
.
3 In Schedule 3 to the Arbitration Act 1996 (consequential amendments), omit paragraphs 34(2) and 37(2).

Miscellaneous minor amendments

I14I3214 Requirements to be met for court to consider applications

1 The Arbitration Act 1996 is amended as follows.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 change, 2 deletions

32 Determination of preliminary point of jurisdiction

1 The court may, on the application of a party to arbitral proceedings (upon notice to the other parties), determine any question as to the substantive jurisdiction of the tribunal.
1A An application under this section must not be considered to the extent that it is in respect of a question on which the tribunal has already ruled.
2 An application under this section shall not be considered unless—
a it is made with the agreement in writing of all the other parties to the proceedings, or
b it is made with the permission of the tribunal and the court is satisfied that the determination of the question is likely to produce substantial savings in costs and that the application was made without delay.
3 The application shall identify the question of law to be determined and, unless made with the agreement of the other parties, shall state the grounds on which it is said that the matter should be decided by the court.
4 Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral tribunal may continue the arbitral proceedings and make an award while an application to the court under this section is pending.
5 Unless the court gives leave, no appeal lies from a decision of the court whether the conditions specified in subsection (2) areeither condition specified in subsection (2) is met.

subsection (6) unchanged

2 In section 32 (determination by court of preliminary point of jurisdiction)—
a in subsection (2)(b), omit the words from “and the court” to the end;
b omit subsection (3);
c in subsection (5), for “the conditions specified in subsection (2) are” substitute “either condition specified in subsection (2) is”.
Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 1 change, 2 deletions

45 Determination of preliminary point of law

1 Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the court may on the application of a party to arbitral proceedings (upon notice to the other parties) determine any question of law arising in the course of the proceedings which the court is satisfied substantially affects the rights of one or more of the parties.
2 An application under this section shall not be considered unless—
a it is made with the agreement of all the other parties to the proceedings, or
b it is made with the permission of the tribunal and the court is satisfied that the determination of the question might produce substantial savings in costs and that the question of law is one in respect of which leave to appeal would be likely to be given under section 69(3)(b).
3 The application shall identify the question of law to be determined and, unless made with the agreement of the other parties, shall state the grounds on which it is said that the question should be decided by the court.
4 Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral tribunal may continue the arbitral proceedings and make an award while an application to the court under this section is pending.
5 Unless the court gives leave, no appeal lies from a decision of the court whether the conditions specified in subsection (2) areeither condition specified in subsection (2) is met.

subsection (6) unchanged

3 In section 45 (determination by court of preliminary point of law)—
a in subsection (2)(b), omit the words from “and the court” to the end;
b in subsection (3), omit the words from “and, unless” to the end;
c in subsection (5), for “the conditions specified in subsection (2) are” substitute “either condition specified in subsection (2) is”.

I15I3315 Repeal of provisions relating to domestic arbitration agreements

Amends Arbitration Act 1996 · 4 deletions

85 Modification of Part I in relation to domestic arbitration agreement

full text omitted

86 Staying of legal proceedings

full text omitted

87 Effectiveness of agreement to exclude court's jurisdiction

full text omitted

88 Power to repeal or amend sections 85 to 87

full text omitted

Omit the following provisions of the Arbitration Act 1996—
a sections 85 to 87 (domestic arbitration agreements) (which are not in force), together with the italic heading before section 85, and
b section 88 (power to repeal or amend sections 85 to 87).

Final provisions

I1616 Extent

1 Any amendment or repeal made by this Act has the same extent as the provision amended or repealed.
2 This section and sections 17 and 18 extend to England and Wales and to Northern Ireland.

I1717 Commencement and transitional provision

1 This section and sections 16 and 18 come into force on the day on which this Act is passed.
2 The rest of this Act comes into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations appoint.
3 The Secretary of State may by regulations make transitional or saving provision in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act.
4 Subject to any transitional or saving provision made under subsection (3), an amendment made by sections 1 to 14—
a does not apply to—
i arbitral proceedings commenced before the day on which the section making the amendment comes into force (“pre-commencement arbitral proceedings”),
ii court proceedings (whenever commenced) in connection with pre-commencement arbitral proceedings or an award made in pre-commencement arbitral proceedings, or
iii any other court proceedings commenced before the day on which the section making the amendment comes into force;
b otherwise applies in relation to an arbitration agreement whenever made.
5 A power to make regulations under this section includes power to make different provision for different purposes.
6 Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.
7 In this section “arbitration agreement” means an arbitration agreement within the meaning of section 6 of the Arbitration Act 1996 to which Part 1 of that Act applies (see section 5 of that Act).

I1818 Short title

This Act may be cited as the Arbitration Act 2025.

Footnotes

  1. I1
    S. 1 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  2. I2
    S. 2 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  3. I3
    S. 3 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  4. I4
    S. 4 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  5. I5
    S. 5 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  6. I6
    S. 6 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  7. I7
    S. 7 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  8. I8
    S. 8 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  9. I9
    S. 9 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  10. I10
    S. 10 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  11. I11
    S. 11 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  12. I12
    S. 12 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  13. I13
    S. 13 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  14. I14
    S. 14 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  15. I15
    S. 15 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 17(2)
  16. I16
    S. 16 in force at 24.2.2025, see s. 17(1)
  17. I17
    S. 17 in force at 24.2.2025, see s. 17(1)
  18. I18
    S. 18 in force at 24.2.2025, see s. 17(1)
  19. I19
    S. 1 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  20. I20
    S. 2 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  21. I21
    S. 3 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  22. I22
    S. 4 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  23. I23
    S. 5 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  24. I24
    S. 6 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  25. I25
    S. 7 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  26. I26
    S. 8 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  27. I27
    S. 9 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  28. I28
    S. 10 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  29. I29
    S. 11 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  30. I30
    S. 12 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  31. I31
    S. 13 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  32. I32
    S. 14 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2
  33. I33
    S. 15 in force at 1.8.2025 by S.I. 2025/905, reg. 2