On 22 July 2025, the UK government launched a long-awaited consultation on proposed amendments to the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSIA) Notifiable Acquisition Regulations (NARs). The consultation seeks to revise some of the definitions contained in the NARs relating to the 17 sensitive sectors subject to mandatory notification, with a significant proposal to include the water sector, as well as some streamlining measures in other sectors. This move reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the NSIA regime remains responsive to evolving national security threats, particularly in light of increasing digitalisation and geopolitical risks, while at the same time facilitating much-needed inward investment consistent with the Labour government’s ambitious Growth Agenda.
For further information, please contact:
Davina Garrod, Partner, Akin
davina.garrod@akingump.com
