diff --git a/lib/iris/__init__.py b/lib/iris/__init__.py
index c0d9f29558..845390c1cb 100644
--- a/lib/iris/__init__.py
+++ b/lib/iris/__init__.py
@@ -557,10 +557,7 @@ def context(self, settings=None, **kwargs):
 
 
 #: A control object containing the current file loading options.
-LOAD_POLICY = LoadPolicy("legacy")
-# The unique (singleton) policy object
-# N.B. FOR NOW, our starting point is "legacy" rather than "default"
-# TODO: resolve tests as needed, to pass with "default".
+LOAD_POLICY = LoadPolicy()
 
 
 def _combine_cubes(cubes, options, merge_require_unique):