Defence Regulations facts for kids

During World War II, the Defence Regulations were very important rules in the United Kingdom. They were emergency laws passed when the war started and during the war. These laws gave the government special powers to help win the war.

Two main laws, called Acts of Parliament, allowed these Defence Regulations to be made. The first was the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1939, passed just before the war began. The second was the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1940. This was passed after Germany attacked France in 1940. The 1940 Act allowed new Defence Regulations for things like making people work in factories to help the war effort.

The most important Defence Regulations were the Defence (General) Regulations 1939. These rules were changed many times during the war. They included a rule called Defence Regulation 18B, which allowed the government to hold people in prison without a trial if they were seen as a danger. Other Defence Regulations covered specific areas like money (finance) and the armed forces.

These Defence Regulations were special orders from the government. They could even change other laws to make sure the war could be fought effectively. The emergency conditions lasted even after the war ended. So, some of the last Defence Regulations, like those about food rationing, stayed in place until the early 1950s.

What Were the Defence Regulations?

The Defence Regulations were a set of special laws. They were put in place quickly to help the UK government manage the country during the war. These laws gave the government extra powers it wouldn't normally have. This was because the country was in a state of emergency.

How These Special Laws Were Made

The government needed permission from Parliament to create these powerful new rules. This permission came from two important laws. The first was passed in 1939, right before the war officially began. The second was passed in 1940, when the war became even more serious. These laws allowed the government to make quick decisions and create new rules as needed.

What the Regulations Covered

The Defence Regulations covered many parts of daily life. For example, they allowed the government to control factories and businesses. This made sure that important goods for the war, like weapons and supplies, were produced. They also helped manage things like food supplies and prices. One well-known regulation allowed the government to hold people who might be a threat to national safety. This was called internment.

How Long the Regulations Lasted

Even after World War II ended in 1945, some of the Defence Regulations stayed in effect. This was because the country still needed time to recover and return to normal. For instance, rules about food rationing continued for several years. The very last of these special wartime laws finally ended in 1964.

Serious Wartime Offences

At first, the Defence Regulations did not create new crimes that could lead to the death penalty. The existing laws about betraying the country were thought to be enough. One rule said that if someone helped the enemy, they could face a life in prison.

However, in 1940, some changes were made to the regulations. Two new serious crimes were added that could result in the death penalty. One was "forcing safeguards," which meant breaking through roadblocks or security checks. The other was "looting," which meant stealing things during a time of chaos or emergency. Soon after, a new law called the Treachery Act 1940 created another crime called "treachery," which also carried the death penalty.

See also

• Capital punishment in the United Kingdom