Overview

The United Kingdom Parliament (Sovereignty) Bill aims to reaffirm the supremacy of the UK Parliament over European Union law. It seeks to ensure that UK laws cannot be overridden by EU legislation and grants Parliament greater control over its relationship with the EU.

Description

This bill asserts the sovereignty of the UK Parliament in relation to the European Union. Key provisions include:

• Supremacy of UK Law: The bill establishes the supremacy of UK law over any conflicting EU legislation.
• Ministerial Orders: A Minister can issue orders to disapply EU measures.
• Parliamentary Resolutions: With support from 100 MPs in both Houses, Parliament can pass resolutions to disapply specific EU measures or instruct ministers to vote against EU proposals. Failure to comply with Parliament's resolution regarding voting on an EU initiative is not a punishable offence.
• EU Legislation Ineffectiveness: If Parliament passes a resolution against an EU initiative, and the EU adopts it anyway, that measure will not be legally binding in the UK.
• European Charter of Fundamental Rights: The European Charter of Fundamental Rights will not be legally binding in the UK.
• Royal Assent Restriction: Bills contradicting this Act require approval from both Houses of Parliament and a UK-wide referendum.
• Parliamentary Scrutiny of Orders: Statutory instruments (orders) issued under the bill are subject to parliamentary scrutiny and approval before coming into effect and may be annulled by either House.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify government spending. The potential financial implications would depend on the specific actions taken under the powers granted by the Act and the potential costs associated with implementing them.

Groups Affected

• UK Parliament: Gains increased power over EU legislation.
• UK Government: Ministers gain powers to disapply EU measures but are also subject to stronger parliamentary control.
• UK Courts: Will be required to prioritize UK law over conflicting EU law.
• Businesses: May face uncertainty depending on how the new powers are exercised, particularly those affected by EU regulations.
• Citizens: Could experience changes depending on how EU measures are applied or disapplied in the UK.
• EU Institutions: The bill challenges the authority of EU law within the UK.

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