Britons retain more laws from their EU days than planned

Great Britain does not want to repeal many laws from its time in the EU as initially planned. By the end of the year, it should be only 800 out of 4,000. Critics have warned of legal loopholes.

Contrary to its Brexit promise, the British government does not want to scrap thousands of laws still in place in the EU by the end of the year. The “Telegraph” and “Financial Times” reported this, citing a meeting of the European Research Group (ERG), a conservative parliamentary group.

Economy Minister Kemi Badenoch is reported to have told ERG Brexit hardliners that only 800 of the 4,000 laws from British EU membership (1973-2020) will be repealed by the end of the year. A government spokesman confirmed the reports to the PA news agency.

“Fire” stays away

The government had introduced the “EU Retained Law Bill” in Parliament for the so-called “Bonfire”. A so-called “sunset clause” would become invalid at a stroke by the end of the year unless EU-term laws are changed or expressly retained.

Critics, including many unions and associations, have warned against the move because it could create legal loopholes, for example in labor law.

A government spokesman said the draft law was still being followed in principle and that “unnecessary” laws would be removed. This will allow the country to continue to take advantage of the “opportunities of Brexit” and help boost the economy and innovation.