Citation, extent and interpretation

1. —(1) These Regulations may be cited as the National Security Act 2023 (Commencement No. 1 and Saving Provision) Regulations 2023.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), these Regulations extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(3) In so far as regulation 2(a) brings into force section 22 of the Act, it also extends to the Isle of Man and the British Overseas Territories (excluding Gibraltar).

(4) In these Regulations, “ the Act ” means the National Security Act 2023.

Provisions coming into force on 20th December 2023

2. The following provisions of the Act come into force on 20th December 2023—

(a) Part 1 (espionage, sabotage and persons acting for foreign powers);

(b) Part 2 (prevention and investigation measures);

(c) Part 3 (review of the operation of Parts 1 and 2 etc);

(d) section 92 (amendments of the Terrorism Act 2000) and Schedule 17 (amendments of Terrorism Act 2000);

(e) section 93 (Intelligence and Security Committee: memorandum of understanding); and

(f) section 94 (minor and consequential amendments) and Schedule 18 (minor and consequential amendments).

Saving provision

3. Notwithstanding the commencement of paragraph 1 of Schedule 18 to the Act, section 9(1) of the Official Secrets Act 1911( 2 ) will continue to have effect in relation to offences suspected to have been committed before 20th December 2023.