Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

<-- Back to proposed bills

Government response to the Law Commission report Electronic Execution of Deeds

03 March 2020

Proposing MP
Robert Buckland Con
South Swindon
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Justice
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the government's response to the Law Commission’s report on Electronic Execution of Documents, endorsing the use of electronic signatures without requiring primary legislation.

Action Requested

The Government will convene an Industry Working Group to consider video witnessing of electronic signatures and has accepted the recommendation for a wider review of the law of deeds by the Law Commission, subject to overall priorities.

Key Facts

  • The Law Commission’s report concludes that formal primary legislation is not necessary for reinforcing the legal validity of electronic signatures.
  • An Industry Working Group will be established to consider issues related to security and technology of electronic signatures.
  • A wider review of the law of deeds will be undertaken by the Law Commission, subject to overall Government and Law Commission priorities.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy