EU Law

Debate between Baroness Gustafsson and Lord Howard of Rising

Tuesday 28th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Howard of Rising]

To ask His Majesty’s Government whether they have further plans regarding the status of retained EU law.

[The Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade and Treasury (Baroness Gustafsson) (Lab)]

My Lords, the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 largely removed the special status of REUL at the end of 31 December 2023, and REUL that had not yet been revoked became assimilated law. The third Assimilated Law Parliamentary Report was published on 23 January 2025. It sets out the plans for future use of the REUL Act powers within the context of the Government’s national missions and a commitment to reset relations with the EU.

[Lord Howard of Rising (Con)]

Does the Minister agree that, while there are arguments for and against being part of the EU, there is no case whatsoever for giving up any benefits of remaining without the benefits of leaving—in particular, freedom from the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice?

[Baroness Gustafsson (Lab)]

We are resetting the relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact and tackle barriers to trade. We are working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen co-operation for mutual benefit, such as the economy, energy security and resilience. There will be issues that are difficult to resolve as well as areas that we will stand firm on, and we have been clear that there will be no return to freedom of movement, to the customs union or to the single market. We will work together and with respect to international law and shared institutions.