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.
Question
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.
Answer from Steven Baker
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.
Not addressed: Specific uncertainties about how many laws will be affected by the bill or its interaction with the Northern Ireland protocol were not addressed.
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