Overview

This bill, the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill, dictates the process by which the UK government requests an extension to the Article 50 negotiation period for leaving the European Union. It requires a parliamentary vote to determine the length of any extension and ensures that UK legislation aligns with the agreed extension date.

Description

The bill focuses on two key areas:

Article 50 Extension

The bill mandates that a government minister proposes a motion in the House of Commons to seek an extension to the Article 50 deadline. This motion must specify the desired end date of the extension. Parliament's approval is needed, and the Prime Minister must then request the extension from the EU based on Parliament's decision. The bill also clarifies that the government can seek an extension independently, but it can't end earlier than May 22, 2019. The date of any extension can be amended by parliament

Legislative Alignment

The bill amends the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, ensuring that domestic law regarding the “exit day” (the UK's departure date from the EU) is subject to parliamentary approval. This makes sure UK law reflects any changes in the Brexit timeline.

Government Spending

The bill itself does not directly allocate or change government spending. However, an extension to the Article 50 period may indirectly lead to increased costs associated with ongoing negotiations and preparations for Brexit.

Groups Affected

The bill impacts several groups:

• UK Government: Responsible for initiating and negotiating the extension.
• UK Parliament: Holds the power to determine the length of the extension and approve related legislative changes.
• European Union: Receives the UK's request for an extension.
• Businesses: The extended uncertainty may affect business planning and investment decisions.
• Citizens: The ongoing uncertainty impacts their lives and future prospects.

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