Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Act 2026

Key Points

• Establishes a UK framework to implement international biodiversity protections beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).
• Gives UK authorities powers to regulate activities in international waters to protect biodiversity.
• Supports international cooperation and reporting under the BBNJ framework.
• Two amendments debated in Committee were defeated by large margins (Amendments 4 and 5).
• Contributes to environmental protection and marine governance.

Progress

The bill has completed its passage through Parliament and received Royal Assent, becoming law.

Voting

In the two Committee amendments on 17 November 2025, Amendment 4 (143 Aye, 318 No) and Amendment 5 (147 Aye, 318 No) were defeated. Government-aligned parties largely backed the amendments, while Labour and several other major opposition groups opposed.