A Bill To Repeal the European Communities Act 1972; and to make provision for the Secretary of State to repeal any enactment that has been a consequence of the European Communities Act 1972.
House of Lords
16 May 2013
The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill aims to repeal the European Communities Act 1972 and to empower the Secretary of State to repeal any enactments that have been a consequence of that Act. Its purpose is to prepare the UK for Brexit by converting EU-derived law into domestic UK law, with powers to adjust or remove those laws later. In the Lords, peers are debating a series of amendments; many remaining amendments received cross-party support, while the government has opposed or sought to overturn several of them.
The Bill is currently in the Lords, at the 2nd reading stage, with detailed scrutiny of amendments under way. After Lords consideration, it would typically move to the Commons for further debate and reconciliation of amendments.
In the Lords, the debate produced a mix of results. The Remaining Lords amendments were approved by 321 to 40, while individual amendments were defeated or opposed in later motions to disagree (e.g., divisions around 303–319 Aye vs 319–303 No; 326–301; 328–297). Across parties, Labour, Lib Dem, SNP, Plaid Cymru and Independents generally supported amendments, while Conservatives and the DUP opposed many of them; Sinn Féin did not vote.
Generated 21 February 2026
Based on 55 recorded votes • Sorted by % Aye
First reading took place on 15 May. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2013-14 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.