Overview

This bill, the United Kingdom Parliamentary Sovereignty Bill, aims to reaffirm the supreme authority of the UK Parliament and restrict the government's ability to enter into treaties or enact laws that undermine parliamentary sovereignty, particularly concerning the European Union.

Description

The bill's core purpose is to reinforce the principle of parliamentary sovereignty. Key provisions include:

• Reaffirmation of Parliamentary Sovereignty: The bill explicitly restates the ultimate authority of the UK Parliament.
• Restrictions on Treaties: Ministers are prohibited from signing, ratifying, or implementing treaties that contradict this Act or expand EU functions affecting the UK without a public referendum.
• Judicial Interpretation: Courts must interpret this Act as overriding previous legislation, including the European Communities Act 1972, unless explicitly stated otherwise in subsequent Acts that include a referendum provision.
• Royal Assent Restriction: The Queen cannot grant Royal Assent to any bill contradicting this Act or amending it unless it has passed a UK referendum.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. However, potential indirect costs could arise from the need for referendums, legal challenges, and potential renegotiation of treaties.

Groups Affected

• Government Ministers: Their powers to sign and ratify treaties are significantly limited.
• UK Parliament: Its sovereignty is reaffirmed and strengthened.
• Courts: Their interpretation of law is affected, giving precedence to this Act.
• The Public: Referendums would increase public involvement in treaty-making and significant legislation.
• European Union: The bill's restrictions on treaties could impact the UK's relationship with the EU.

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