Territorial extent and application
- Section 185 sets out the territorial extent of the Act, which describes the jurisdictions in which the Act will form part of the law. The extent of the Act can be different from its application and application is about where an Act produces a practical effect.
- Largely the provisions in the Act extend to England and Wales only and apply to England, as health is largely a matter for devolved competence.
- There are some provisions in the Act which extend UK-wide. A small number of these provisions will also apply UK-wide. Sections 140 to 143 and 152 to 155 (offences relating to virginity testing and hymenoplasty: Scotland) extend and apply to Scotland only. Sections 144 to 147 and 156 to 159 (offences relating to virginity testing and hymenoplasty: Northern Ireland) extend and apply to Northern Ireland only. An amendment, repeal or revocation made by this Act has the same extent as the provision amended, repealed or revoked.
- See the table in the Annex for a summary of the position regarding territorial extent and application in the United Kingdom.
