Overview

This bill, the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 4) Bill, dictates the Prime Minister's actions regarding Brexit depending on whether a withdrawal agreement is approved by the House of Commons. If no agreement is approved, it forces the Prime Minister to seek an extension to Article 50, the formal process for leaving the EU.

Description

This legislation outlines the procedures the Prime Minister must follow concerning the UK's departure from the European Union.

Key Provisions:

• Approval of Withdrawal Agreement: If the House of Commons approves a negotiated withdrawal agreement before a specified trigger date (March 13th, 2019, or the day after the bill's passage, whichever is later), section 2 of the bill (requiring extension) becomes void.
• No Withdrawal Agreement: If the House of Commons fails to approve a withdrawal agreement, the Prime Minister must propose one of two motions:
  • To leave the EU without a deal.
  • To seek an extension to the Article 50 period, specifying an end date for that extension.
• Extension of Article 50: If the "no deal" motion fails, the Prime Minister is obligated to seek an Article 50 extension. The bill also includes provisions for scenarios where the European Council offers a different extension length to the one proposed by the UK.

The bill defines the trigger date and sets procedures for the Prime Minister to propose and seek an extension to Article 50 if the House of Commons does not approve a withdrawal agreement by that date.

Government Spending

This bill doesn't directly allocate or change government spending. Its impact on spending is indirect, primarily dependent on whether the UK leaves the EU with or without a deal and the length of any extension to Article 50.

Groups Affected

This bill directly impacts:

• The Prime Minister: The bill places specific legal obligations on the Prime Minister regarding Brexit negotiations.
• The House of Commons: The bill gives the House of Commons a significant role in determining the course of Brexit.
• The UK Public: The outcome of the bill significantly affects the terms of the UK's departure from the EU and the subsequent relationship with the bloc, with far-reaching consequences for the UK economy and society.
• The European Union: The bill's effect on negotiations and deadlines directly impacts the EU's position and response to Brexit.

Powered by nyModel