Spring Budget 2017: Economic Update (Video)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer faces the formidable challenge of delivering his first Budget amid economic headwinds, geopolitical instability, and a wave of ambitious government promises. With GDP growth forecast at just 1.1%, inflation at 3.4%, and public sector net borrowing exceeding £115 billion, can he balance fiscal responsibility with pledges to avoid raising Income Tax, National Insurance, or VAT while funding increased defence spending and social care reforms?

On 9 September 2026, the European Commission (the “Commission”) presented its proposal for a new Public Procurement Act, a significant reform of the EU public procurement framework...

BCL's latest sanctions round-up provides a comprehensive overview of recent UK and international developments in sanctions law, enforcement actions, and compliance requirements. This fortnightly summary examines new designations, licensing updates, and emerging trends that businesses and legal professionals need to monitor.

The UK government has significantly expanded its sanctions framework targeting Russia, introducing measures against individuals and entities involved in military supply chains, energy sectors, cryptocurrency networks, and alleged human rights violations. These developments reflect an evolving enforcement landscape with new powers, increased scrutiny of sanctions evasion, and landmark legal clarifications affecting businesses operating in sanctioned jurisdictions.

Angela Gregson of Weightmans and Sean Ryan of Whitney Moore compare Ireland's new foreign direct investment screening regime with the UK's established National Security and Investment Act, examining when notification is required, key procedural differences, and practical steps to navigate both frameworks. The analysis draws on recent annual reports to reveal how these regimes are operating in practice and what reforms are on the horizon.

The aesthetics and wellness markets are seeing explosive growth in peptide treatments, but many practitioners may not fully understand the complex regulatory framework governing these products. What begins as offering an innovative treatment could escalate into criminal investigations, frozen bank accounts, and asset forfeiture proceedings under proceeds of crime legislation.

In Apasen Limited v London Borough of Tower Hamlets [2026] EWHC 2239, the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) has confirmed that a contracting authority cannot rely on a contract award notice to defeat a set aside claim simply by publishing one - the notice must also be accurate.

The UK’s Serious Fraud Office announced a criminal investigation into possible money laundering arising from suspicions of corruption in Ukraine.

On 2 April 2025 we published our FAQs titled “How can a regulated provider challenge a decision by Ofcom under the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA)?”.

Other things being equal, an SMR should produce a unit of electricity at higher cost than a gigawatt-scale plant. That is the diseconomies of scale. Proponents accept the point but say other things are not equal.