Overview

This bill, the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill, dictates the process by which the UK government can request an extension to the Article 50 negotiation period for leaving the European Union. It requires a parliamentary vote to authorize the Prime Minister to seek such an extension and specifies how that extension would be implemented.

Description

The bill primarily focuses on two key actions:

Article 50 Extension: The bill mandates that a Minister of the Crown must propose a motion in the House of Commons to agree to the Prime Minister seeking an extension to the Article 50 period. This motion must specify the desired end date for the extension. Parliament will vote on the motion; if passed, the Prime Minister is then bound to seek the extension from the EU. Even if Parliament votes down the motion, the government could still seek an extension, but not one ending before May 22, 2019.

Domestic Legislation Alignment: The bill amends the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. This amendment alters the process for changing the "exit day" (the day the UK leaves the EU), requiring any changes to be subject to a vote of annulment in either House of Parliament.

Government Spending

This bill does not directly allocate or change government spending. Any costs associated with an extension to Article 50 would be indirect and dependent on the length of the extension.

Groups Affected

• UK Government: The bill directly impacts the government's ability to negotiate and manage the Brexit process, requiring parliamentary approval for extending the Article 50 timeframe.
• UK Parliament: Parliament plays a central role, voting on the extension request and having control over changes to the "exit day".
• European Union: The EU is affected as the bill sets the mechanism through which the UK requests an extension to Article 50.
• Businesses and Citizens: The impact on businesses and citizens is indirect and depends on the outcome of the negotiations and the eventual "exit day". An extension creates uncertainty but avoids the immediate consequences of a no-deal Brexit.

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