Fears over Henry VIII powers

PARLIAMENT is in recess but when we return in September, the Repeal Bill will be waiting for us to debate and vote on. It essentially converts EU law into UK legislation.

Controversially, the Bill includes proposals to give ministers extensive “Henry VIII powers”, also known as Statutory Instruments, to make changes to laws without full Parliamentary approval. The Government claims they need this to amend laws after Brexit. For example, they will need to amend reference to the “European Commission” or to the UK’s “EU Obligations” which will no longer apply once we exit.

There’s a reason why they’re known as Henry VIII powers. Just like the Statute of Proclamations gave Henry the power to make any laws he wanted, simply by decree; statutory instruments allow ministers to change Bills with little or no Parliamentary oversight. Instead of 650 MPs voting, there will be a small committee of around 20. This means hard-won rights could be removed or weakened without any say from Parliament. It’s estimated that between 800 and 1,000 Statutory Instruments will face limited Parliamentary scrutiny. This raises serious concerns about democratic legitimacy and Parliamentary sovereignty. No-one thought taking back control meant bypassing Parliament.

At a time where the constitutional fabric of the UK will be reshaped by swathes of legislative changes, total transparency and accountability is essential. Some of our cherished rights will be left to the whims of ministers and their Henry VIII powers – and we all know what Henry did with such sweeping powers.