Great Repeal Act will give us control, insists Davis
BRITAIN will be able to leave the EU with “maximum certainty, continuity and control” under key legislation being published today, Brexit Secretary David Davis has promised.
He said the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, commonly dubbed the Repeal Bill, was “one of the most significant” ever to come before Parliament.
The legislation aims to ensure the greatest possible continuity for individuals and companies when Britain leaves the EU by the end of March 2019.
It will repeal the Act of Parliament which took Britain into the European Economic Community in 1973 and will end the supremacy of EU law over British courts.
Where appropriate, it will convert EU into British law to let businesses and individuals continue operating with no sudden change – although Parliament could later move to amend regulations MPs no longer back.
Mr Davis, who is leading Britain’s Brexit talks with Brussels, said: “This Bill means that we will be able to exit the EU with maximum certainty, continuity and control.
“That is what the British people voted for and it is exactly what we will do – ensure the decisions that affect our lives are taken here in the UK.
“It is one of the most significant pieces of legislation that has ever passed through Parliament and is a major milestone in the process of our withdrawal from the EU.”
Echoing Theresa May’s call for other parties to co-operate with her minority administration, Mr Davis added: “By working together in the national interest, we can ensure we have a fully functioning legal system on the day we leave the EU.
“The eyes of the country are on us and I will work with anyone to achieve this goal and shape a new future for our country.” However, MPs of all parties have threatened to wage war against the Government over the provisions of the Bill in pursuit of a so-called “soft” – or even no – Brexit.
Outgoing Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron warned ministers not to expect an easy ride, telling them: “If you found the Article 50 Bill difficult, you should be under no illusion – this will be hell.”
The Government will separately today publish three papers to present to the European Commission for discussion at next week’s talks.
These include controls on nuclear materials – a focus for MPs who want the UK to stay in the bloc’s Euratom treaty.