Civil Liberties Legislation

Laws and regulations protecting individual rights, freedoms, and civil liberties, including privacy rights, freedom of expression, and anti-discrimination measures.

The Online Procedure (Rules and Practice Directions) Rules 2026

This Statutory Instrument establishes a framework for conducting civil proceedings in England and Wales through a dedicated digital service managed by HMCTS. It mandates that specified proceedings—initially limited to possession proceedings—must be initiated and conducted via GOV.UK, while providing paper-based alternatives for unrepresented individuals.

The rules grant courts extensive active case management powers, including the authority to direct parties toward mediation, decide issues without full hearings, and transfer cases out of the online system if necessary to achieve justice.

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The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (Commencement No. 9) Regulations 2026

Published: Thu 25th Jun 26

This statutory instrument brings into force section 81 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 on 29th June 2026.

It directs the repeal of the Vagrancy Act 1824, which previously established criminal offences for begging and rough sleeping in England and Wales.

The regulations apply to the criminal justice system and law enforcement agencies by removing these historical offences and making necessary consequential amendments to other legislation.

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The Crime and Policing Act 2026 (Commencement No.1 and Saving Provision) Regulations 2026

These Regulations bring the first wave of provisions from the Crime and Policing Act 2026 into force on 29 June 2026.

They apply to various law enforcement agencies, the Secretary of State, and several judicial bodies across England and Wales (and in specific instances, Scotland).

The regulations activate new legal standards for anti-social behaviour orders, protest-related offences, firearms regulation, intimate image offences, and police disciplinary procedures.

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The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations 2026

This Order amends specific provisions within data protection and telecommunications legislation to refine the conditions under which personal data may be processed for search and investigative purposes.

It modifies existing statutory instruments to align them with current telecommunications standards and clarifies the authorities granted to specific regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies when executing warrants.

The provisions apply to data controllers, telecommunications providers, and public authorities engaged in the detection and prevention of crime or the exercise of statutory functions.

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The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Principality Stadium, Cardiff) Regulations 2026

These Regulations prohibit the flight of unmanned aircraft below 1,100 feet above mean sea level within a specified area around the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on 28 June 2026.

The restrictions apply between 1700 hours and 2230 hours Co-ordinated Universal Time to all unmanned aircraft, unless the South Wales Police Drone Team grants specific flight permission.

This measure is intended to facilitate public safety and security during an event involving a large gathering of people.

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The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Doncaster, South Yorkshire) Regulations 2026

Published: Tue 23rd Jun 26

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Doncaster, South Yorkshire) Regulations 2026 establish a temporary restricted airspace near Doncaster to manage unmanned aircraft during a large public gathering.

The regulations prohibit the flight of any unmanned aircraft below 1,100 feet above mean sea level within a specified 0.7 nautical mile radius on 27 June 2026, between 09:30 and 15:00 UTC. These restrictions apply to all unmanned aircraft operators, except those who have obtained explicit permission from the South Yorkshire Police Drone Team.

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The Prison (Governor’s and Adjudicators’ Punishments) (Amendment) Rules 2026

Published: Mon 22nd Jun 26

This statutory instrument amends the Prison Rules 1999 to increase the severity of disciplinary punishments and introduce new restrictions on social visits for convicted prisoners in England and Wales.

It authorizes prison governors and independent adjudicators to double the maximum duration of certain penalties, such as the forfeiture of privileges and the awarding of additional days' imprisonment, while creating new categories of punishment specifically targeting non-professional social contact.

The rules apply to convicted prisoners found guilty of disciplinary offences, though they provide specific exemptions to ensure prisoners can still receive visits from their children.

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The Police (Conduct and Vetting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

These Regulations amend existing police conduct, vetting, and performance rules in England and Wales to establish stricter suspension and vetting requirements for police officers and candidates.

They mandate suspension for officers charged with specific serious offences or domestic abuse, define "listed offences" that trigger automatic administrative actions, and introduce a requirement for police candidates to hold vetting clearance granted within six months of their appointment.

The regulations apply to chief officers of police, the College of Policing, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct, directing how these authorities must delegate functions, conduct reviews, and notify officers of disciplinary or vetting decisions.

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