Government climb-down on Retained EU Law Bill: an update

Insight

02.05.2023

We have written previously on the potential impact and huge uncertainty that could be caused by the Retained EU Law Bill coming into force (here and here), a law that aimed to remove all EU-derived law from the UK statute book by the end of 2023.

This law was proving hugely controversial, and last week saw an apparent climb-down from the Government on its impact. Instead of all pieces of retained EU law being removed in a single go, Kemi Badenoch, business secretary, told the Conservatives that the majority of the laws (an estimated 4000 pieces) would remain, with perhaps up to 800 specific pieces of legislation being removed instead.

This news has been welcomed by many, including the Law Society, but it comes with a caution: while the immediate rush may be removed, the Conservatives are publicly very much committed to the aim of the Retained EU Law Bill. While it’s immediate impact may be avoided, the uncertainty it could cause the English legal system has not gone away.

If you require further information about anything covered in this briefing, please contact Jane Randell or your usual contact at the firm on +44 (0)20 3375 7000.

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.