Arbitration of Commercial Disputes (2e): English Arbitration After the 2025 Act
For the first time in nearly three decades, the statutory framework for arbitration in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has been reformed. The English Arbitration Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 24 February 2025 and its substantive provisions came into force on 1 August 2025, applying to English-seated arbitrations commenced on or after that date. For everyone who drafts arbitration clauses, sits as arbitrator, or advises on cross-border disputes, the reference points have shifted — and a current, authoritative statement of the law is now essential.
What the 2025 Act changed
The Act amends the Arbitration Act 1996 rather than replacing it. Its headline reforms include:
- A new default rule (section 6A) that, absent express agreement, the arbitration agreement is governed by the law of the seat — departing from the common-law position in Enka v Chubb.
- A statutory power for tribunals to dispose of claims or issues on a summary basis (section 39A).
- A codified duty on arbitrators to disclose circumstances that may raise justifiable doubts as to impartiality.
- Stronger court powers in support of arbitration, including for emergency arbitrators and evidence from third parties.
- Reform of section 67 challenges to a tribunal's jurisdiction.
Why this book, now
Arbitration of Commercial Disputes: English and International Law and Practice (2nd edition, Oxford University Press) by Andrew Tweeddale and Masood Ahmed states the law as of 1 August 2025, giving complete coverage of the 2025 Act in a single volume. Building on the reputation of the first edition, it adopts a new, more user-friendly structure that follows the arbitration process from the agreement through to the award and its enforcement, while keeping the comparative perspective across common law and civil law systems that practitioners have relied on. It engages directly with the issues now facing the arbitration community, from the governing law of the arbitration agreement to the arbitrator's duty of disclosure, anti-suit and anti-arbitration injunctions, and the influence of Brexit and artificial intelligence on practice.
Who it is for
At 660 pages, with full tables of cases and legislation, it is written for arbitrators, counsel, in-house teams and the judiciary, and is a natural standing acquisition for academic and law-firm libraries building current arbitration collections.
This title is featured in our Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Catalogue 2026 (PDF), alongside other new and recent titles selected for institutional collections.
Q&A
When did the English Arbitration Act 2025 come into force?
It received Royal Assent on 24 February 2025 and its substantive provisions took effect on 1 August 2025 (under SI 2025/905), applying to English-seated arbitrations commenced on or after that date.
Does the 2025 Act replace the Arbitration Act 1996?
No. It amends the 1996 Act, which remains the primary statute; the 2025 reforms clarify and modernise specific areas such as the governing law of the arbitration agreement, summary disposal and arbitrator disclosure.
Does this book cover both English and international arbitration?
Yes. It gives a detailed account of English law and practice and retains comparative perspectives across common law and civil law jurisdictions, making it useful for cross-border work.
Is the second edition up to date on AI in arbitration?
Yes. The authors discuss the current and potential future impact of technology and artificial intelligence on arbitral practice, alongside developments such as Brexit.
Where can I buy Arbitration of Commercial Disputes: English and International Law and Practice, 2nd ed?
It is available now from CLNZ Books at this product page, with worldwide courier delivery and institutional invoicing. Price includes worldwide shipping.