Brexit freedoms bill: 5 years to end EU regulations
Jacob Rees-Mogg has reportedly told the cabinet last week that there will be another mass execution of EU legislation coming. The Brexit Freedoms Bill is suspected to target over 1500 pieces of EU legislation that are still in UK law, and will bring about change over the next 5 years..
The so-called “sunset clauses” are designed to force the UK to inspect these pieces of legislation and make a conscious effort to keep, amend, or cancel them – as opposed to leaving them in use without consideration.
But, what does this mean for UK businesses?
Several opinions have been given by experts on the plans, with good and bad points:
The good
The Brexit Freedoms Bill has the potential to bring about radical change and opportunity for Britain by forcing the government to assess EU legislation sooner rather than later. Instead of leaving EU law in place for convenience, the bill will ensure that it is evaluated in good time.
Many EU laws are “one size fits all” for countries across the EU, not the UK specifically, and were passed into UK law without speculation, debate, or vote in the houses of parliament. This means that the Brexit Freedom Bill is forcing opportunity for this legislation to be looked at speculatively for the first time.
The bad
– Exporters needing to conform to UK and EU regulations, instead of a single set of rules.
– The UK Government is already looking to reduce civil service resources – who will assess these laws and what will not be addressed because of it?
– UK businesses are already struggling with new import and export Brexit regulations – will the mass adaptation of EU laws reignite the chaos?
– The Brexit Freedoms Bill raises concerns over the UK which could scare off investors at a time when the UK needs investment.
– If the Bill affects food regulations, will it block or hinder the import of foodstuffs when the cost of living is still increasing?
The process for getting the Brexit Freedoms Bill into parliament
Before the bill can be written into UK law, it must be passed through the houses of parliament and accepted.
(Many of the EU laws being targetted skipped this process, and were immediately adopted)
This process takes place over 5 stages, which give adequate time for members of parliament to review the bill and raise objection, gain understanding, and decide whether they are for or against the bill:
– First reading.
– Second reading.
– Committee stage.
– Report stage.
– Third reading.
It is only once the bill has been approved by both the house of commons and the house of lords that it is given royal assent, and passed into UK law.
Are you concerned about the Brexit Freedoms Bill?
The Brexit freedoms bill has not yet been passed into law, and the target EU legislation has not yet been confirmed. However, if you need help with anything customs clearance, please contact one of our team today.
