ENGLISH ARBITRATION ACT 2025: PANACEA TO SOME PRACTICAL PROBLEMS AND THE ISSUE OF IMMUNITY OF ARBITRATORS

Abstract

Prior to 2025, the provisions of Arbitration Act 1996 formed the framework for arbitrations held within England, Wales and Northern Ireland.1 Arbitration Act 2025 amended the provisions of the Arbitration Act 1996 rather than repealing it. The new Act addressed some practical problems in arbitration by making provisions that streamlined procedures, clarified certain legal issues, strengthened the immunity of arbitrators through enhanced efficiency and cost reduction. The 2025 Arbitration Act specifically introduced power of summary disposal, made clear provision on the governing law of arbitration agreement and expands the immunity of arbitrators etc. Due to words limitation, this study will discuss and focus majorly on the practical problems in arbitration which the new Act tried to solve as well as the extent of the arbitrators’ immunity under the new Act.