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07 March 2025
Issue: 8107 / Categories: Legal News , National security , International
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NLJ this week: Policing business deals that could threaten national security

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The UK government has the power to review and potentially stop any business transactions that could threaten national security, courtesy of legislation that came into effect at the start of 2022. In this week’s NLJ, Ludovica Pizzetti, counsel, Arnold & Porter, looks at the operation to date of this legislation, the UK National Investment and Security Act 2021 (NSIA 2021).

Pizzetti sets out key trends that have emerged in relation to NSIA 2021 as well as anticipated developments in the year ahead. She notes that ‘the UK regime is, at least to a certain extent, country agnostic. There are several examples—including in the last 12 months—where UK acquirers have been subject to an in-depth review and cleared subject to conditions. Acquirers from other “friendly” nations such as the US, Canada, and various EU member states have also undergone close scrutiny and even been made subject to remedy decisions.’

Pizzetti also provides a brief overview of the ‘increasing array’ of US trade and investment regulation that may affect cross-Atlantic deals. 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

NEWS
The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, and Solicitor General, Andy Slaughter KC MP, marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week by joining lawyers, charities, students and parliamentarians at events celebrating voluntary legal work
A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
Possession claims are entering a new digital era, with procedural traps awaiting practitioners who assume familiar rules still govern every step
The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
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