Overview

This bill, the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 6) Bill, addresses the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. It mandates the government to seek an extension to the Article 50 negotiation period if Parliament doesn't approve a withdrawal agreement or a no-deal Brexit by a specified date. The bill also requires government reporting on Brexit negotiation progress.

Description

The bill outlines several key actions:

• Extension Request: If Parliament doesn't approve a withdrawal agreement or a no-deal Brexit by a certain date (initially October 19th, 2019), the Prime Minister must request an extension to the Article 50 period (until January 31st, 2020) from the European Council. This request is formalized through a specific letter.
• Parliamentary Approval: The bill requires parliamentary approval for both a withdrawal agreement and a no-deal Brexit scenario through specific motions. The House of Lords must debate these motions, or the extension request triggers automatically.
• Progress Reports: If an extension is granted, the Secretary of State must publish reports detailing Brexit negotiation progress by specific deadlines (e.g., November 30th, 2019). Failure to gain Commons approval on a report leads to the publication of a further plan for negotiations.
• Amendment to Existing Act: The bill amends the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, changing a provision related to exit day from “may” to “must,” ensuring the necessary regulations are implemented. This is conditional, however, on whether other parts of the bill are enacted.
• Extension Agreement: If the EU grants an extension, the Prime Minister must immediately notify the EU of the UK's agreement to the extension.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify new government spending. The costs will likely be associated with continued negotiations and the production of reports.

Groups Affected

• UK Government: Bound by the bill's requirements for seeking extensions, publishing reports, and fulfilling parliamentary obligations.
• UK Parliament: Plays a crucial role in approving or rejecting Brexit scenarios and influencing the negotiation timeline.
• European Union: The bill's actions directly impact the EU's Brexit negotiations with the UK, including the potential extension of the Article 50 period.
• Businesses: Uncertainty surrounding Brexit continues, potentially affecting investment and trade depending on the outcome.
• Citizens: The bill's outcome influences the future relationship between the UK and the EU, potentially impacting citizens' rights and lives.

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