Wednesday’s Queen Speech was dominated by Brexit with more than one quarter of the 27 bills announced relating to its impact on immigration, business sectors and industries.
The Great Repeal Bill, a key component, is central to the UK exiting the EU and its effect will be the repeal of the 1972 European Communities Act. It will convert existing EU laws into UK law which will then be subject to review by Parliament and decisions will need to be made on which elements are to be retained.
A customs bill heralds a new VAT and excise regime for the UK to be introduced following Brexit which will assist the drafting of new trade agreements with the EU and other nations. This measure is accompanied by a trade bill designed to establish the legal framework for the UK to implement an independent trade policy in the wake of Brexit.
An immigration bill is among the Brexit proposals, overturning EU law on free movement and making the migration of EU nationals and their families subject to UK law. The remaining Brexit-related bills focus on agriculture, fisheries, nuclear safeguards and international sanctions.
The legislative agenda for the new Parliament also includes bills covering motor insurance claims, domestic violence, a ban on letting fees, HS2, data protection, and the Armed Forces.
Conservative manifesto pledges on social care costs, grammar schools and fox hunting were shelved from the Queens Speech, following the loss of the Government’s Commons majority, but may be revisited following further consultation.
For more details and comment concerning the Queen’s Speech visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40345280
For updates and opinion regarding the implications for businesses of the Brexit process follow our dedicated LinkedIn page here.
