“You might think that, but I couldn’t possibly comment…”

As the UK enters yet another election cycle and Parliament is officially dissolved—otherwise known as purdah—many businesses and civil servants now find themselves stuck in frustrating limbo. While political parties battle it out for the keys to Number 10, vital conversations between government and industry grind to a halt.

For former colleagues across the Civil Service, I know the feeling all too well: projects paused, communication frozen, progress stalled.

What Purdah Means for Businesses Right Now

During this period, government departments are restricted from engaging in activities that could influence policy or be seen as favouring one political party. In practice, this means:

  1. No active consultation with government on any policies currently in development — regardless of how urgent or advanced.

  2. Civil servants scheduled to speak at conferences or industry events will likely be withdrawn, taking with them any hope of insider insights.

  3. Any enquiries submitted during purdah will be met with carefully worded, non-committal responses — often based only on facts already published and subject to change post-election.

Key Regulatory Areas Left in Limbo

In the product safety and compliance landscape, this uncertainty leaves major questions unanswered:

  • What’s next for the UK Product Safety Review?

  • Will we finally see clarity on Fire & Furnishings Regulations?

  • What’s the future of CE and UKCA marking requirements?

Realistically, we shouldn’t expect firm answers until long after the ballots are counted.

So — Do We Simply Wait?

Absolutely not.

How DSL Consulting Can Support You Through the Election Period

At DSL Consulting (dslconsulting.co.uk), we’ve successfully guided clients through multiple election cycles. Our advice?

✅ Stay calm, stay compliant, and stay proactive.
✅ Avoid making risky assumptions based on political speculation.
✅ Focus on what can be controlled — internal readiness, documentation, and risk mitigation.

Rather than waiting for government clarity, now is the time to:

  • Review compliance frameworks

  • Audit product documentation and testing

  • Prepare adaptable strategies that cover multiple regulatory outcomes

Need Help Navigating This Uncertain Phase?

Whether you’re unsure about current obligations or future-proofing your compliance strategy, DSL Consulting is here to support you throughout the purdah period and beyond.

Visit dslconsulting.co.uk to speak with our experts.