The UK government laid a Departmental Minute on 12 November updating contingent liability arrangements for licensed space operators. Under a new variable liability limits approach for orbital operations, the default third-party liability limit remains £50 million but operators can qualify for reductions to £20 million or £0 depending on whether they meet criteria linked to security and space sustainability. The variable approach applies to licence applications received after 1 December 2026. Third-party liability is also waived entirely for In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing and lunar missions launched before the end of 2030, for licences issued after 1 December. The maximum additional exposure to the UK government under the new measures is £50 million for any single claim compared with current arrangements. The Government Actuary's Department estimates an expected cost of approximately £700,000 per year, rising to an extra £900,000 per year for large constellation applicat