Samuel Willis Published: 17th November 2022 The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill is constitutionally inappropriate, practically unfeasible, and potentially deeply harmful. Our committee stage briefing sets out why it should be scrapped. Read the full briefing The Government is seeking broad powers to amend laws falling within the category of ‘retained EU law’, and to allow currently unidentified swathes of these laws to disappear at the end of 2023 unless specifically ‘saved’ by a minister. The Bill’s complex and opaque provisions would: Undermine parliamentary sovereignty by transferring vast legislative powers to ministers Place vitally important and valued rights on a cliff-edge by the tight deadlines set by the Bill Create large quantities of otherwise unnecessary work for UK ministers, devolved ministers, and civil servants, without a clear case for why this should be prioritised, and Create considerable legal uncertainty, which will put individuals’ rights at risk and make it more difficult to enforce those rights. PLP’s primary recommendation is that this Bill should be scrapped in its entirety. However, should the Bill proceed, we urge the following recommendations: Remove clauses 10 to 16 Include provision for meaningful consultation and debate on the proposed exercises of ministerial powers Amend the condition for the exercise of delegated powers Limit the power of UK ministers to legislate in areas of devolved competence without the consent of devolved authorities Prevent EU-derived legislation that is equivalent to Acts of Parliament, from being amended as if it were a technical statutory instrument Provide that nothing shall be allowed to disappear at the sunset without consultations, impact reports, and parliamentary approval Amend clause 7 to protect legal certainty Read the full briefing