Overview

This bill, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act, aims to repeal the European Communities Act 1972, the foundational law integrating the UK into the European Union. It also empowers the Secretary of State to repeal any other legislation stemming from the 1972 Act and to initiate the UK's withdrawal from EU treaties.

Description

The bill's core function is to revoke the European Communities Act 1972. This effectively removes the legal basis for EU law in the UK.

Secondary Legislation: Existing laws enacted under the 1972 Act remain in effect unless specifically amended or repealed via a parliamentary process.

Power to Repeal Further Acts: The Secretary of State is given the power to repeal any legislation that became law as a direct result of the 1972 Act. These repeals must be approved by both houses of Parliament.

Withdrawal from Treaties: The Secretary of State is required to initiate the withdrawal process from or denunciation of treaties listed under the 1972 Act within one month of the bill becoming law.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The impact on government spending will depend on subsequent legislative action and policy decisions made in the wake of leaving the EU. Cost implications could be substantial, concerning areas such as trade agreements, regulation, and potential social security changes. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: Potentially affected by changes to laws related to employment rights, environmental protection, consumer protection, and various other areas previously governed by EU legislation.
• Businesses: Likely to experience significant changes impacting trade, regulation, and access to the single market.
• Government Departments: Will require significant restructuring and adaptation of policy and administration.
• Parliament: Will have a greatly increased legislative workload dealing with the repeal of numerous laws and the enactment of new legislation.

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