While non-legally binding instruments (NLBIs) do not place legal obligations on the UK, they can impose ‘political obligations’ that can guide government action and even result in financial obligations being placed on the UK. The UK is an internationally trusted nation; when it makes a political commitment, this should be viewed as essentially equivalent to making a legally binding obligation. We do however recognise that NLBIs can range from the very mundane to the very significant.

While non-legally binding instruments (NLBIs) do not place legal obligations on the UK, they can impose ‘political obligations’ that can guide government action and even result in financial obligations being placed on the UK. The UK is an internationally trusted nation; when it makes a political commitment, this should be viewed as essentially equivalent to making a legally binding obligation. We do however recognise that NLBIs can range from the very mundane to the very significant. Type: conclusion | Number: 20 | Paragraph: 93 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: Disagree. Non-legally binding instruments are appropriate for concluding a statement of political intent or political undertaking, and where there is no requirement for a legally binding framework. They are valued as useful tools for arrangements to be established quickly or operate flexibly or whic