Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill: Consideration of Lords Amendments

The House of Commons considered the amendments from the House of Lords on the Bill on Monday 2 February 2026. The Bill will ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, signed by the UK in 2023, creating a legal mechanism to set up protected zones in areas beyond national jurisdiction, helping to protect marine life and habitats in parts of the ocean that have previously been vulnerable to overuse and exploitation.

The Agreement entered into force on 17 January 2026 having received enough signatories and ratifications internationally. Following the Royal Assent of the UK’s legislation and the necessary secondary legislation which follows, the UK will join those who have ratified the Agreement. UK Ministers intend to play a leading role at the first conference of the parties, which will take place at some point before 16 January 2027.

During the debate, MPs considered 12 Government amendments relating to devolution and the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement across the country. All 12 amendments were accepted.

The Government will lay two further pieces of secondary legislation. Once passed, the Government will ratify the Agreement formally at the United Nations.