Article 50 has been triggered by the prime minister (Report, 30 March), and the government will now publish its plan for the great repeal bill. While all eyes may be on article 50 and the start of the Brexit negotiations, those of us concerned with the health of our democracy must not let this important piece of legislation slip by; in the proposals lie insidious delegated powers for ministers that could lead to our laws and regulations being rewritten behind closed doors – something those parliamentarians keen to be rid of EU red tape will no doubt be happy with.
While the government has framed these measures as a necessary practicality, it has had consistent form on making major policy changes using this instrument, including: adding the “rape clause” for tax credits claimants; abolishing maintenance grants; allowing fracking in national parks; and changing voter registration rules.
The PM has given the illusion that she is prioritising an inclusive Brexit involving public engagement. She has promised she will speak for “young and old, rich and poor, city town and country, and all the villages and hamlets in between”. These niceties aside, she has yet to make any concrete commitments for the preservation of the laws and regulations that are broadly popular with UK citizens. What will happen to our clean air standards? Will Brexit herald chlorine chickens in our kitchens or sewage on our beaches?
The great repeal bill solely concerns domestic matters, and it would therefore be unjustified for the government to hide behind the excuse that providing too many details would harm the national interest. The public were given a binary option in the referendum, and the resulting message was “take back control”. But who is really taking back control – the people or the government?
Alexandra Runswick
Director, Unlock Democracy
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters
