Overview

This bill proposes to repeal the European Communities Act 1972, the primary legislation that incorporated European law into UK law. The repeal aims to remove the legal basis for EU law within the UK, paving the way for independent legislation.

Description

The main objective of the European Communities Act 1972 (Repeal) Bill is to revoke the European Communities Act 1972. This Act, passed in 1972, integrated the laws of the European Economic Community (EEC, predecessor to the EU) into the UK legal system. The bill achieves this repeal through a single clause. Secondary legislation created under the 1972 Act will remain in effect unless explicitly amended or repealed via parliamentary statutory instrument, subject to annulment by either House of Parliament. A further clause allows the Secretary of State to repeal any other Acts made obsolete by the repeal of the 1972 Act, again subject to parliamentary approval of a draft order. The bill also includes standard clauses for short title, commencement (to be set by order), and extension of the Act's effect across the whole of the UK.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. The impact on government spending would be indirect and dependent on future legislation passed following the repeal of the European Communities Act 1972.

Groups Affected

• Businesses: Changes to regulations derived from EU law could impact business operations and compliance costs.
• Citizens: Changes to laws covering a wide range of areas, from consumer protection to environmental regulations, could affect citizens' rights and daily lives.
• Government Departments: Departments will need to adjust their operations and policy making to reflect the absence of EU law.
• Courts and Judiciary: The legal system will need to adapt to the absence of EU law as a source of legal precedent and interpretation.

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