← Back to House of Commons Debates
Arbitration Bill [Lords] 2025-01-29
29 January 2025
Lead MP
Nicholas Dakin
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
DefenceEconomyNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Nicholas Dakin raised concerns about arbitration bill [lords] 2025-01-29 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Arbitration Bill addresses recommendations from the Law Commission to reform the Arbitration Act 1996. It focuses on modernizing arbitration practices and maintaining competitiveness in international legal services, with particular emphasis on London's status as a global arbitration hub. The bill aims to ensure that arbitration proceedings are efficient and fair by aligning governing law with the legal location of arbitrations.
Kieran Mullan
Bexhill and Battle
Con
Expressed agreement with the opening remarks, indicating support for the Bill's aim to simplify arbitration laws.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
The shadow Minister supported the Second Reading of the Arbitration Bill, acknowledging its significance for maintaining the UK's competitive edge in international arbitration. He highlighted the contributions of the previous Government and praised the Law Commission’s work on the reforms. Dr Mullan emphasised the need for clarity and integrity in arbitrator practices, as well as procedural efficiency.
Olly Glover
LD
Didcot and Wantage
Welcomed the reintroduction of the Bill, highlighting its importance for economic growth. Noted the Law Commission's estimate that there are at least 5,000 arbitrations annually in England and Wales worth £2.5 billion to the economy. Supported government amendments addressing corruption risk and appeal rights.
Mullan
Lab
Emphasised need for continued work on issues like arbitration and corruption, expedited hearings, third party funding, and mediation mandates. Called for further government effort in these areas.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
The Arbitration Bill, which began under the previous Government and was completed under this Government, aims to maintain our market-leading status in arbitration. The minister highlighted that the proposed changes are a positive step towards ensuring that arbitration legislation remains current, efficient, and effective. The minister also cited support from organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, White & Case LLP, and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, emphasising the importance of dispute resolution in business and economic productivity. The Bill will enable more efficient dispute resolution for both domestic and international parties, attracting legal business and promoting UK economic growth. It also serves as a reminder of why the UK remains a premier destination internationally for businesses everywhere.
Government Response
The Government’s Arbitration Bill seeks to reform the Arbitration Act 1996 based on recommendations from the Law Commission. The bill aims to make it easier for parties to determine which law governs their arbitration agreement and to ensure that arbitrations seated in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are fully supported by UK law. Detailed the Bill's provisions to correct drafting errors in clause 13 regarding appeals and addressed concerns about arbitrations involving investors and states. Emphasised government support for initiatives against arbitral corruption and commitment to maintain robustness of arbitration framework. The Arbitration Bill aims to maintain our market-leading status in arbitration by enacting long-awaited reforms to our arbitration law framework. The minister highlighted that the proposed changes are a positive step towards ensuring that arbitration legislation remains current, efficient, and effective. The minister also cited support from organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, White & Case LLP, and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, emphasising the importance of dispute resolution in business and economic productivity. The Bill will enable more efficient dispute resolution for both domestic and international parties, attracting legal business and promoting UK economic growth.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
The shadow Minister supported the Second Reading of the Arbitration Bill, acknowledging its significance for maintaining the UK's competitive edge in international arbitration. He highlighted the contributions of the previous Government and praised the Law Commission’s work on the reforms. Dr Mullan emphasised the need for clarity and integrity in arbitrator practices, as well as procedural efficiency. Reiterated need for addressing interplay between arbitration and corruption, expedited hearings, role of third party funding, and authority to mandate mediation. Highlighted importance of these issues despite broad support for the Bill.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.