These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers in section 8 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16) in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies in retained EU law (in particular to address reciprocal arrangements which no longer exist and are no longer appropriate) arising from the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

These Regulations make amendments to legislation in the field of civil judicial co-operation, including rules of jurisdiction and recognition and enforcement of judgments. Part 2 amends primary legislation, Part 3 amends subordinate legislation, Part 4 provides that certain treaty rights and obligations cease to be recognised and available in domestic law (and to be enforced, allowed and followed accordingly) on exit day, Part 5 revokes retained direct EU legislation, and Part 6 makes saving provision.

An impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector is available from the Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, London SW1A 9AJ and will be published alongside this instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk.