EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations bring sections 2, 4 to 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 to 16, and 21 of, and Schedules 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 to, the Armed Forces Act 2021 (“the 2021 Act”) partially into force on 1st May 2022 to enable subordinate legislation such as rules of court and regulations to be made in connection with those sections before they come fully into force. Section 8 of the 2021 Act is in addition brought partially into force on the same day to enable statutory guidance to be issued in connection with that section before it comes fully into force. These Regulations bring sections 3, 13, and 18 of the 2021 Act into force in full on 1st May 2022. Section 7, which inserts sections 320A, 320B, and 320C in the Armed Forces Act 2006, is also brought into force on 1st May 2022 but only to insert the new section 320A relating to guidance on the exercise of criminal jurisdiction in England and Wales (section 320B and 320C are equivalent provisions in respect of Scotland and Northern Ireland).