Reports are emerging that suggest that the European Union spent the entire Brexit process trying to tie Britain up in endless regulations. This may not come as a surprise to some. However, the numbers are stark. Research carried out by Thomson Reuters in June 2017 found that more than 700 new EU laws had been introduced in the year following the UK’s decision to leave. That meant on average, around 60 EU regulations and directives had been added to the British statute book every month.
Whilst it has not been possible to cite figures for the following years, if that average was maintained, which is extremely likely, this would mean the UK would have been following 2580 European laws more than they were in 2016. These laws related to a wide range of issues, including fishing stocks in the Atlantic to expanded sanctions against North Korea. These extra laws are likely to make Boris Johnson’s post-Brexit job more complicated, as the British Government decided early on in the process that after leaving, it would carry with it the existing EU laws to avoid a legislative “black hole” that would be left if they were all immediately abandoned.
This was done with the intention of allowing Parliament to then decide which laws to keep and which to scrap after formally leaving. Given these extra laws over the last 3 and a half years, this task could take decades to complete. Daniel Greenberg the counsel for domestic legislation in the House of Commons warned back in 2017 “While we’re negotiating an exit [from the EU], the amount of legislation arising out of our membership is increasing all the time. More water is flowing into the tub at the same time as we are getting ready to pull the plug.”
In addition to this,if the EU’s Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier is to have his way, the UK will be following many laws from Brussels for many years to come. However, Prime Minister Johnson has been making the right noises so far by saying that there is “no need” to follow Brussels’ rules. Hopefully,Mr Johnson delivers on his word.
UNN is a truly alternative news organisation delivering live shows, articles, outside broadcasts and so much more! We desperately need your support to continue each month and you can support our work by Clicking Here Now and SUBSCRIBING to show your support for Real News!
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
[sibwp_form id=4]
