Retained EU Law 2023-02-08
2023-02-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the uncertainty surrounding how the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill will affect Northern Ireland's legal landscape, especially considering the absence of a functioning Executive and Assembly.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill on Northern Ireland? It seems that the only certainty we have with this bonfire Bill is uncertainty. We do not know how many laws will be affected by it, although we know it will be in the thousands. We do not know how it will work with the existing Northern Ireland protocol, or with whatever revised protocol may exist in a few months' time.
The Government recognise the unique challenges that Northern Ireland Departments are facing and we are working closely with the Executive Office to develop an approach that accounts for the political situation in Northern Ireland. UK Government Departments will assess impacts, where required, of any changes they make on Northern Ireland when reviewing retained EU law. The hon. Lady can be assured that we will ensure that we meet all our international obligations including under the EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement, the protocol, and the withdrawal agreement.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific uncertainties about how many laws will be affected by the bill or its interaction with the Northern Ireland protocol were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by concerns over the uncertainty caused by the Retained EU Law Bill and its potential impact on Northern Ireland's regulatory framework, specifically in relation to business planning.
With this legislative chaos hanging over the heads of Northern Ireland businesses, how are they expected to make plans for the future? We do not know how many laws will be affected by it, although we know it will be in the thousands. We do not know how it will work with the existing Northern Ireland protocol.
The Government are well aware of the need for people to have regulatory certainty to make plans for the future. The hon. Lady can be assured that we will ensure that we meet all our international obligations, including under the EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement, the protocol, and the withdrawal agreement.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timelines to provide regulatory certainty for businesses were not provided.
Response accuracy