The government lost 14 votes as the EU withdrawal bill made its way through the House of Lords. It has also made some concessions.
Day one
- No repeal of the European Communities Act 1972 until the government has told parliament what steps it has taken to negotiate the UK’s participation in a customs union with the EU.
- EU law relating to employment and equality rights, health and safety protections, and consumer and environmental standards not to be altered by ministerial fiat.
Day two
- The EU charter of fundamental rights will remain in force.
- Individuals retain rights to challenge validity of EU law after Brexit.
Day three
- Further limits on ministerial powers to alter EU law incorporated into UK law.
- No amendments to Scotland and Wales acts on ministerial fiat.
- Changes to UK law in order to comply with international obligations must be made through an act of parliament.
Day four
- Parliament must approve the withdrawal agreement and transitional measures in an act of parliament, before the European parliament has debated and voted on this. Also gives the Commons (but not the Lords) the power to decide the next steps for the government if the deal is rejected.
- No secondary legislation to implement the withdrawal agreement until a mandate for negotiations about the UK’s future relationship with the EU has been agreed by parliament.
Day five
- Protects cooperation north and south of the Irish border after Brexit and prevents the establishment of new border arrangements without mutual agreement.
- Temporary restrictions on the power of devolved assemblies to legislate in certain devolved areas after Brexit. This is disputed by the Scottish parliament.
Day six
- Protects UK membership of EU agencies such as Euratom.
- Removes the exit date from the face of the bill.
- Negotiates a deal that allows continued membership of the EEA.
- MPs given greater power over secondary legislation, with peers defeating the government on scrutiny of statutory instruments.
