The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill (the Bill) (formerly known
as the Great Repeal Bill) was introduced to the House of Commons
and given its First Reading (a formal stage, without debate)
on Thursday 13 July 2017.
MPs will next consider the Bill at Second Reading (when the
principle of the Bill is approved). This will be in the autumn,
either between 5 and 14 September (before conference season) or
between 9 October and 7 November (when Parliament resumes after
conference). The earlier date may be more likely, there isn't a
lot of legislation before the Commons at the moment, and the
Government would probably like to get through Second Reading before
conference.
When MPs turn to consider the Bill's provisions, they are
likely to focus on the wide-ranging powers being granted to
Government Ministers (and others) to make delegated legislation.
This post considers the most controversial powers sought in the
Bill, namely those which would authorise a Minister of the
