Overview

This bill, the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, concerns the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. The House of Lords proposed amendments requiring parliamentary approval for the terms of withdrawal and guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens in the UK. However, the House of Commons rejected these amendments.

Description

The main purpose of the bill was to formally notify the EU of the UK's intention to leave. Two key amendments were proposed by the House of Lords:

• Amendment 1: This amendment sought to ensure that EU and EEA citizens legally resident in the UK would continue to have their rights protected after Brexit. The House of Commons rejected this, arguing it was unnecessary to include in this specific bill.
• Amendment 2: This amendment required both Houses of Parliament to approve any agreement reached with the EU on the terms of Brexit, including any future relationship agreement, before it could be finalized. The Commons also rejected this, again stating it was outside the scope of the bill.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly allocate or significantly change government spending. However, the consequences of Brexit, including any agreements made with the EU, will have substantial implications for future government spending and budgeting across numerous departments.

Groups Affected

• EU and EEA citizens residing in the UK: Their rights and future residency status were a central concern in the rejected Lords amendments. The rejection of Amendment 1 leaves their post-Brexit status unresolved within this legislation.
• UK Parliament: The rejected Lords amendments would have significantly increased parliamentary oversight of the Brexit negotiations. The Commons decision maintains greater executive power in negotiating Brexit.
• UK Government: The government retains the power to negotiate and conclude the Brexit agreement without prior parliamentary approval (as per the Commons' rejection of the amendments).

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