This event is hosted by Queen Mary University of London.
With no dedicated UK AI legislation yet on the table, the policy conversation has never been more urgent. The 2024 King’s Speech hinted at future AI regulation, but with the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill now abandoned and replaced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, the UK faces critical questions about the direction of its AI and data governance strategy.
On 10 July 2025, SCL will host the 2025 Policy Forum at The Octagon, Mile End Campus – a timely and essential event exploring what a UK AI regulatory framework could and should look like.
In partnership with the Queen Mary Global Policy Institute, this Forum brings together legal and tech professionals, policymakers, academics, and civil society to engage with the complex regulatory, ethical, and practical challenges posed by AI.
With input from expert panels and diverse voices, the day will explore:
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What a UK AI Act might look like in practice
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How AI can be regulated without stifling innovation
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The role of sector-specific regulators, soft law, and international frameworks
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The risks of regulatory fragmentation — and the need for clarity and coherence
In a moment of legislative transition, the 2025 Policy Forum offers insight, guidance, and the opportunity to help shape the UK’s evolving approach to AI and digital regulation.
Speakers:
Lord Clement-Jones CBE, Co-Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on AI; LibDem Lords Science, Innovation and Technology spokesperson as well as former Chair of the AI Select Committee; SCL Fellow
Jenifer Swallow, Director, Jenifer Swallow International Ltd
Dana Denis-Smith OBE, Founder, Obelisk; Deputy Vice President elect of the Law Society
Minesh Tanna, Partner and Global AI Lead, Simmons & Simmons; Chair of the SCL AI Group; SCL Trustee
Dr Andres Guadamuz, Reader in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Sussex, Editor in Chief of the Journal of World Intellectual Property
Chris Marsden, Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology, and the Law at Monash University
Raj Shah, Managing Associate, Mishcon de Reya LLP
Emily Barwell, Senior Associate, UK, Osborne Clarke
Gabriela Commatteo, AI Governance and Policy Expert
Dr. Fernando Barrio, Reader in Sustainable Business Law and Policy, QMUL
Lisa McClory, Emerging Tech (Crypto and AI) Team, CMS
Afzaal Mauthoor, CBDO, Brdge.ai
Bill Wright, Senior Principal Architect / AI Technology Specialist – Telecommunications, Red Hat
Event Programme:
14:00 – 14:45 – Have we been here before? Regulation and innovation in the AI arena
Gabriela Commatteo, AI Governance and Policy Expert
Jenifer Swallow, Director, Jenifer Swallow International Ltd; former Director, LawTech UK
Minesh Tanna, Partner and Global AI Lead, Simmons & Simmons; Chair of the SCL AI Group; SCL Trustee
14:50 – 15:30 – Ownership in AI systems. IP and Data Governance of AI inputs and outputs
Emily Barwell, Senior Associate, UK, Osborne Clarke
Dr Andres Guadamuz, Reader in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Sussex, Editor in Chief of the Journal of World Intellectual Property
Raj Shah, Managing Associate, Mishcon de Reya LLP
15:30- 15:45 – Break
15:45 – 16:30 – The future is AI, if there is a future. Sustainability with and of AI
Dr. Fernando Barrio, Reader in Sustainable Business Law and Policy, QMUL
Bill Wright, Chair, Enterprise Neurosystem, Chief Architect, Red Hat
Lisa McClory, Emerging Tech (Crypto and AI) Team, CMS
Azfaal Mauthoor, CBDO, Brdge.ai
16:30 – 17:00 – The way forward. Giving shape to AI Policy and Law
Dana Denis-Smith OBE, Founder, Obelisk; Deputy Vice President elect of the Law Society
Lord Clement-Jones CBE, Co-Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on AI; LibDem Lords Science, Innovation and Technology spokesperson as well as former Chair of the AI Select Committee; SCL Fellow
Chris Marsden, Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology, and the Law at Monash University
17:00 – 18:00 – Networking and refreshments
Administration notes:
Fees:
£150 + VAT (£180) for SCL members
£300 + VAT (£360) for non-members
Concessionary places for students, academics and those on a low income are available on request. To apply for a concessionary place please email hello@scl.org
To secure your place at this event please book online.
Booking terms and conditions:
Please refer to SCL’s full event terms and conditions here.
Registration and attendee arrival:
Registration for this event starts at 1:30 pm.
Venue address:
The Octagon in the Queen’s Building
Queen Mary Venues
Queen Mary University of London
Mile End Road
London, E1 4NS.
Joining details:
For in-person events, you will receive joining details within 24 hours of the event. For online events, we will send the Zoom link on the morning of the event.
Non-members wishing to join the Society are entitled to membership of the Society valid for 12 months from the date of payment including full access to the content of the SCL website www.scl.org, access to all online content of “Computers & Law” plus notification of future SCL events. The cost of an annual SCL membership is £170.00. If you have any queries about SCL membership please contact the SCL office on Tel: 07948 517049 or Email: hello@scl.org
Free membership for trainee lawyers and UK students:
SCL provides free membership for trainee lawyers until qualification and for UK students in full-time education with a valid ac.uk email address. Student members are eligible to attend SCL events at concessionary rates where a fee is applicable. Trainee members are entitled to attend SCL events at the standard members’ rate (the concessionary rate for UK students in full-time education does not apply). Trainees and UK students in full-time education can apply to join SCL for free by emailing hello@scl.org
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