Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Exiting the European Union (European Union)

23 November 2020 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster

Brexit

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Julia Lopez raised concerns about exiting the european union (european union) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The draft European Union Withdrawal (Consequential Modifications) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 are approved to ensure the UK statute book functions effectively post-transition.
  • The regulations make consequential amendments and repeals regarding retained EU law, separation agreement law, and other EU-derived domestic legislation.
  • The instrument clarifies interpretations of references to EU instruments after the implementation period ends.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster

I beg to move, that the draft European Union Withdrawal (Consequential Modifications) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 be approved. As Members will be aware, at the end of this year the process of transition to our future relationship with the EU will be complete. The Government have already undertaken extensive work to provide for a functioning domestic statute book by 31 December and made over 630 statutory instruments ahead of exit from the European Union on 31 January. This instrument ensures that the UK statute book works coherently and effectively following the end of the transition period, making various consequential amendments and repeals in respect of retained EU law, relevant separation agreement law, and other EU-derived domestic legislation. It clarifies how references to EU instruments are to be interpreted after implementation period completion day, removing room for confusion or uncertainty.

Other contributors (4)
  • Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster

    The draft regulations before them perform a small but worthwhile role in our preparations for the end of the transition period and demonstrate the Government’s commitment to ensuring certainty and clarity in the UK’s statute book. This statutory instrument includes provisions required as a result of the withdrawal agreement, clarifies how references to EU instruments are to be interpreted after implementation period completion day, and makes minor technical amendments to primary legislation including the Interpretation Act 1978.

  • Paul Blomfield Lab Sheffield Central

    The statutory instrument is a result of poor planning from the Government and creates uncertainties. It amends parts of the Interpretation Act 1978 and the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, adding to the existing confusion about legal certainty going forward.

  • Patrick Grady Lab Glasgow North

    The statutory instrument is a legacy of Brexit caused by Cameron's lack of vision and now the Government's desire for no deal. It directly amends primary legislation passed by Scotland’s Parliament, highlighting the UK Government's executive diktat rather than parliamentary sovereignty.

  • Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster

    The purpose of the instrument is to ensure that the statute book works coherently following the end of the transition period. It addresses concerns about clarity and certainty in leaving the EU, which was deemed a worthwhile endeavour by the UK public.

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