The letter, covered by the i newspaper, was co-ordinated by colleagues in Greener UK and signed by representatives of trade unions, employers, lawyers, environmental and animal welfare groups and civil society.
It expressed serious concerns over the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill and urged for its withdrawal.
Here it is in full:
As representatives of trade unions, employers, lawyers, environmental and animal welfare groups and civil society, we are writing to express our serious concerns about the Retained EU Law Bill which returns tomorrow for Report Stage.
The bill’s objective to review, reform or scrap around 4,000 laws by the end of this year, with very limited parliamentary scrutiny or public consultation, is reckless law making that will undermine certainty for business, working people, the environment and public health.
These are diverse and vital protections ranging from paid holiday leave, to basic welfare conditions for the live transportation of animals, to controls on the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, and safeguards for important wildlife and air quality. Requiring the UK’s governments and parliaments to rush through this process increases the risk of poor or detrimental law entering the statute book.
Yet simply extending the deadline in the bill will not address its wider flaws. The legislation enables ministers to make changes to rules behind closed doors with only very limited parliamentary scrutiny. The government should instead focus on legislation that needs improving through a sensible and consultative process fully involving Parliament and affected groups.
The bill as it stands is a costly distraction and should be withdrawn.
You can read Greener UK's briefing prepared for report stage in the Commons here.
Published Wednesday 18 January 2023
REUL: Campaigning for high food and farming standards and for trade deals that don’t undermine them.
