Overview

This bill aims to provide a plan for the UK's withdrawal from the European Union if the House of Commons fails to approve the negotiated withdrawal agreement by February 11th, 2019. It outlines procedures for creating a plan, its approval by Parliament, and the possibility of extending Article 50 to delay Brexit.

Description

The bill sets out a series of actions depending on the approval or rejection of the withdrawal agreement.

Scenario 1: Withdrawal Agreement Approved

If the House of Commons approves the negotiated withdrawal agreement by February 11th, 2019, the bill's main provisions (sections 2-4) do not come into effect.

Scenario 2: Withdrawal Agreement Rejected

If the withdrawal agreement is not approved, the Secretary of State must ask the House of Commons Liaison Committee to prepare a "Plan of Action" by March 5th, 2019. The government will provide up to £250,000 in assistance to the Committee for this. This plan will then be put to a vote in Parliament by March 7th.

Scenario 3: Plan Approved

If the plan is approved, the government must implement it. If the plan recommends an extension of Article 50 to a specific date, that extension will be sought.

Scenario 4: Plan Rejected or Not Published

If the plan is not published by March 5th, or if it is published but not approved by March 7th, the Prime Minister must seek an extension of Article 50 to December 31st, 2019. The bill amends the 2018 EU Withdrawal Act to reflect this potential new exit date.

Government Spending

The bill allows for a maximum of £250,000 in government spending to assist the Liaison Committee in preparing their plan. No other specific government spending is detailed.

Groups Affected

The bill directly impacts several key groups:

• The UK Government: Responsible for implementing the bill's provisions and potentially seeking an extension to Article 50.
• The House of Commons: Plays a critical role in approving or rejecting the withdrawal agreement and the subsequent plan, and in determining any naming disputes.
• The Liaison Committee: Responsible for creating a plan if the withdrawal agreement is not approved.
• The Prime Minister: Responsible for seeking any extension of Article 50.
• The European Union: The bill's actions would directly affect EU negotiations and decisions around Brexit.
• UK Citizens: The bill's outcome will affect the timing and terms of the UK's departure from the EU, potentially influencing their rights and the economy.

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