Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

With arbitration becoming increasingly important for the resolution of business disputes worldwide, England is seeking to play a major role as a site for international arbitrations. The enactment a decade ago of the U.K. Arbitration Act 1979 paved the way for making London an attractive locale for international commercial cases.

This article describes developments in English arbitration law since 1979. A number of rulings handed down by English courts that interpret the requirements of the U.K. 1979 Act are discussed, focusing on such issues as judicial review of arbitral awards, applicable law, and procedure. The author also reviews the state of international arbitration in England today and recommends steps that can be taken to make London a more acceptable venue for international business arbitrations.