Takes back powers . . . and paves way for exit

The Government’s European Union (Withdrawal Bill), formerly known as the Great Repeal Bill, will end the EU law’s supremacy in the UK.

It repeals the European Communities Act 1972, introduced after the UK voted to join the EU.

All 12,000 EU regulations will be transferred on to the UK statute book to ensure what Brexit Secretary David Davis calls ‘a calm and orderly exit’.

EU laws cover issues including environmental regulation, workers’ rights and financial services. Not transferring them would leave a legal ‘black hole’.

Ministers will be given ‘Henry VIII powers’ to tweak laws without a vote. So, if a law referred to an EU agency, it could be altered to include a UK body instead.

The Bill will give parliaments and assemblies in Westminster, Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff the power to drop or change EU laws they do not want in future.

The legislation had its first reading in the Commons yesterday but MPs are expected to get their first vote on the Bill in September.

The Government has acknowledged it is ‘possible’ that the Prime Minister may need the ‘consent’ of the Scottish Parliament.

The minority Government means it will take only a minor rebellion within Tory ranks, or by the Democratic Unionist Party propping up the administration, for progress to be interrupted.