Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill receives Royal Assent

Article summary

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill received Royal Assent on 29 June 2023, becoming the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (REUL(RR)A 2023). Passage of this legislation follows months of debate, during which many amendments were proposed. Government amendments reduced the scope of the controversial ‘sunset clause’, replacing blanket provisions allowing for the repeal of most retained EU legislation (unless expressly excluded) with a schedule listing approximately 600 pieces of legislation to be repealed at the end of 2023. Despite the revised scope, the REUL(RR)A 2023 has a significant impact on the status and treatment of retained EU law (REUL) and associated rights and principles. It also includes a range of provisions and powers allowing for further amendment, repeal and replacement of REUL over time. The REUL(RR)A 2023 enters into force in part upon Royal Assent, with the remainder entering into force partly two months after Royal Assent...