House of Commons · General Debate
19 November 2025 · 4 other contributors
Opened by Sarah Sackman Lab MP for Court and Legal Services
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sarah Sackman raised concerns about property (digital assets etc) bill [lords] 2025-11-19 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill aims to provide legal clarity for digital assets, enhancing innovation and certainty in the UK's digital economy. It includes clause 1 which defines personal property rights to include digital or electronic items that do not fall under traditional categories of things in possession or action. This move is designed to prevent uncertainty from stifling investment and innovation while ensuring the law adapts to new technologies.
The Opposition supports the Bill, recognising its careful approach in providing legal certainty without over-prescribing. It builds on the work of the Law Commission, addressing uncertainties that could hinder investment and commercial transactions involving digital assets. The Bill aims to ensure courts have flexibility to develop common law as technology evolves.
The Liberal Democrats support clauses 1 and 2, noting the need for legal clarity in the treatment of digital assets. The Bill ensures that digital items are not denied property status simply because they do not fit traditional categories. It also requires codes of practice to be published by the Secretary of State, guiding courts on assessing personal property rights for digital assets.
Expresses gratitude towards the Bill Committee and the Law Commission for their diligence, noting the benefits derived from having such state machinery in place.
Thanks colleagues across the House for cross-party working on delivering well-scrutinised legislation. Hopes that this spirit can be replicated with other pieces of legislation.
Government Response
The Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill is designed to drive innovation and enhance legal certainty in the UK's digital economy. Clause 1, an unassuming clause on paper, has significant implications by providing a clear statement that digital or electronic items can be recognised as personal property, ensuring legal clarity and supporting businesses and investors.
Shadow Response
Dr Kieran MullanThe Opposition supports the Bill due to its balanced approach in clarifying legal status for digital assets without over-prescribing. It preserves common law flexibility while providing necessary statutory certainty, ensuring courts can adapt to new technologies.