Welsh Government raises concern over Retained EU Law bill

The Welsh Government has expressed concern over the Retained EU Law bill, which could potentially see the UK Government legislate in areas of devolved responsibility without consent from Welsh Ministers or the Senedd.

The bill was introduced in the House of Commons last week and contains powers that would enable UK government ministers to make changes to or delete laws in devolved areas that date from when the UK was part of the EU.

The Welsh Government warned that the timescales set by the bill mean that key laws and protections could be gone by the end of 2023. It has also cautioned that the bill could lead to reductions in standards, and uncertainty for people and businesses.

The counsel general Mick Antoniw has written to Jacob Rees-Mogg, secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, to express his concerns and to highlight the need for another approach.

Antoniw said: "As currently drafted, this legislation could see UK government ministers given unfettered authority to legislate in devolved areas – contrary to the democratically established devolution settlement.

"It also risks the reduction of standards in important areas including employment, health and the environment.

"We are disappointed the bill has reached this stage with such little engagement with the Welsh Government about its most important aspects, and we call on the UK government to bring about the legislative changes that will ensure Wales’ constitutional integrity and devolution settlement is respected and preserved."

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