The theme for the London International Disputes Week (LIDW) 2025 Main Conference revolves around “Innovation in Dispute Resolution: Navigating Global Risks.”
Opening the Main Conference, Sarah Sackman KC MP, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, reaffirmed the UK Government’s steadfast support for the legal sector, highlighting the crucial role of dispute resolution in economic growth, international collaboration, and legal innovation.
Sackman praised the UK legal services sector as a national asset, citing its contribution of over £37 billion annually to the UK economy and its global leadership in dispute resolution.
“International Disputes Week is no laughing matter. There is serious business going on,” she remarked, acknowledging the depth and relevance of the conference’s themes.
She added that the government has worked to position the UK as a global hub for legal services. Sackman underscored this message by celebrating the passage of the Arbitration Act, 1996 as the first piece of legislation under the new Parliament—a move designed to modernise the arbitration framework and bolster international confidence in UK law.
“It marks a significant milestone for arbitration in our country (UK), making, in my view, the UK the number one choice for commercial contracts”, she asserted.
She emphasised that the UK legal sector and international dispute resolution in particular is more than a pillar for our economy; it drives growth, underpins global trade and stands as a beacon of the rule of law.
As we navigate those global risks, we must continue to innovate, elaborate and lead, and I want to thank you for your continued partnership and for the vital work that you do.
Sackman also announced progress on the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill aimed at recognising digital assets such as crypto tokens under UK property law. This would provide critical clarity and security for modern transactions.
“This short bill is in fact a pivotal step in ensuring that our law keeps pace with the fast-changing economy by formally recognising digital assets…”
Highlighting the intersection of law and technology, Sackman described the UK’s growing legal tech ecosystem as “thriving” and a crucial tool in adapting dispute resolution to an increasingly digital and globalised world. As disputes grow complex and increasingly become a cross border in nature, we must ensure that dispute resolution evolves with the times, she stated.
“Innovation is no longer a choice—it is a necessity.”
The Minister pointed to a £1.7 billion investment already secured by UK-based law tech firms and reaffirmed the Government’s funding commitment to LawTech UK. She also shared insights from her recent trade mission to Chicago, where she promoted UK legal tech to international investors.
She emphasised that government law reforms and support for technological investment and adoption will ensure that our dispute resolution system remains world class in the face of globalism.
Sackman also underscored the critical role of dispute resolution professionals in upholding the rule of law and providing certainty in uncertain times.
“In a global landscape full of uncertainty, you give parties reassurance and that rare thing.”
“Our law firms, solicitors, barristers, arbitrators and mediators are known for their integrity, professionalism and excellence, which has made the UK and London a global center for outstanding district resolution.”
