Brexit Bulletin—Parliament approves the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill

Article summary

Following signature of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) on 30 December 2020, Parliament has approved the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill to implement the deal. The legislation makes provision for the implementation and interpretation of the TCA and associated agreements in UK law. It contains specific amendments in certain areas of UK law (particularly concerning trade and security), as well as broad provisions to allow for the implementation of future agreements and amendments foreseen by, or supplementary to, the TCA. Parliament was recalled on 30 December 2020 to debate the deal and approve the legislation, which was passed under an extremely expedited fast-track process, so that it could be brought into force before the Brexit transition period ends at 11 pm on 31 December 2020 (IP completion day). While the debate raised many questions over the content of deal, the implementing legislation, and the lack of parliamentary scrutiny, the...