The English Arbitration Act comes into force on 1 August 2025 - An Essential Guide By Peter McQueen, ArbDB Chambers

The intention of the Arbitration Act 2025 (2025 Act), which comes into force on 1 August 2025, is to further the principle of the 1996 Arbitration Act (1996 Act) to obtain the fair resolution of disputes by an impartial tribunal without unnecessary delay or expense.

It aims to fulfil the policy objective of ensuring that the 1996 Act is fit for purpose and that it continues to promote the UK as a leading destination for arbitration, and to do so by way of refining, rather than overhauling the 1996 Act.

The 2025 Act will apply to arbitration proceedings, and related court proceedings, brought after 1 August 2025, and arbitration agreements whenever made.

The substantive reforms include:

• clarification of the law applicable to arbitration agreements

• codification of an arbitrator’s duty of disclosure

• strengthening of arbitrator immunity around resignation and applications for removal

• introduction of a power for arbitrators to dispose summarily of issues which have no real prospect of success

• clarification of court powers in support of arbitral proceedings and in support of emergency arbitrators

• a revised framework for challenges under section 67 of the 1996 Act where the challenge alleges that the arbitral tribunal lacked jurisdiction

Peter McQueen 21 July 2025

For possible appointments of Peter as Arbitrator or Mediator, please contact the Clerk to ArbDB Chambers, Martin Poulter, at martin.poulter@arbdb.com or tel: +44 (0)203 514 9020