Overview

This bill, the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Bill, addresses the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. It sets out a process for determining the next steps if Parliament doesn't approve the negotiated withdrawal agreement by February 11th 2019, primarily focusing on securing an extension to Article 50.

Description

The bill hinges on whether Parliament approves the Brexit withdrawal agreement by February 11th, 2019. If it doesn't:

• Section 2 Plan: The Liaison Committee of the House of Commons must prepare a plan outlining a process for Brexit, to be published by March 5th, 2019. The government will assist the committee, up to a maximum cost of £250,000.
• Plan Approval and Implementation: The government must present this plan to the House of Commons for approval by March 7th, 2019. The government is then required to implement the approved plan.
• Article 50 Extension: If no plan is published by March 5th, or the House of Commons doesn't approve it by March 7th, the Prime Minister *must* request an extension to Article 50 until December 31st, 2019. If the plan recommends a different extension date, and this is approved, then that date will be used. The bill also allows the Prime Minister to seek an extension even if these conditions aren't met.
• Amendments to 2018 Act: The bill amends the 2018 EU Withdrawal Act, changing the Brexit 'exit day' from March 29th, 2019 to December 31st, 2019, but only if the European Council agrees to an extension to that date.

Government Spending

The bill allows for up to £250,000 of government spending to assist the Liaison Committee in preparing their plan. Further spending would require separate parliamentary authorization.

Groups Affected

• UK Parliament: The bill significantly impacts Parliament's role in Brexit, giving it a crucial role in determining the next steps.
• UK Government: The government is responsible for implementing the actions laid out in the bill, particularly seeking an Article 50 extension if necessary.
• The Liaison Committee: This committee is tasked with creating a crucial plan for Brexit if the initial withdrawal agreement is not passed.
• European Union: The bill's impact on the EU depends on whether the UK seeks an Article 50 extension and the EU's response to this request.
• UK Citizens: The bill could influence the timing and nature of the UK's departure from the EU, affecting their rights and future relationship with the EU.

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