Overview

This bill mandates the Prime Minister to request an extension to the Article 50 deadline for the UK's withdrawal from the European Union if Parliament hasn't approved a withdrawal agreement by February 26th, 2019. The proposed extension is to December 31st, 2019, unless Parliament amends the motion to specify a different date.

Description

The European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 3) Bill compels the Prime Minister to formally request an extension to the Article 50 period (initially set to end on March 29th, 2019) if a withdrawal agreement isn't approved by the House of Commons before February 26th, 2019.

Key Provisions:

• If the House of Commons doesn't approve the withdrawal agreement, the Prime Minister must propose a motion to extend Article 50 to December 31st, 2019.
• Parliament can amend the motion to propose a different extension date.
• The bill amends the 2018 Withdrawal Act, changing the "exit day" from March 29th, 2019, to December 31st, 2019, contingent upon the EU granting the extension.
• If the EU grants an extension to a date other than December 31st, 2019, the government must update the legislation accordingly.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly allocate any specific government spending. However, an extension to the Article 50 period will likely incur additional costs associated with ongoing negotiations, civil service operations, and potential financial commitments related to the EU budget.

Groups Affected

• UK Government: Required to seek an extension and potentially incur additional costs.
• UK Parliament: Holds the power to determine the extension date and approve or reject the withdrawal agreement.
• European Union: Their decision on the extension request is crucial.
• Businesses: Uncertainty surrounding Brexit is prolonged, impacting business planning and investment.
• Citizens: Experience further uncertainty regarding their rights and the future relationship between the UK and the EU.

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