European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

3 April 2017

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Act gave the government the power to notify the European Union that the United Kingdom intends to withdraw from the EU under Article 50. It starts the Brexit process by triggering the withdrawal procedure, but it does not decide the terms of departure. Parliament’s role was simply to approve the notification itself.

Key Points

Authorises the government to notify withdrawal from the EU under Article 50.
Notification is to be sent to the Council of the European Union, initiating Brexit negotiations.
Parliament approves only the act of notifying; terms of withdrawal are set in later negotiations and legislation.
The Act itself does not change UK or EU citizens’ rights; those issues are addressed in subsequent laws.
Passed with large majorities in the Commons and across parties, though Conservative MPs were divided on several divisions.

Progress

The Act has received Royal Assent and is now law, providing the formal mechanism to trigger the UK's withdrawal from the EU under Article 50.

Voting

The bill secured large overall majorities in the Commons (e.g., Third Reading 494-122; Programme motion 331-102). Labour and other opposition parties largely supported the bill, while Conservative MPs were split and many voted against in some divisions.

Who is affected?

UK citizensEU citizens living in the UKUK businesses and workers with ties to the EUPublic services and government agenciesTrade, research, education and other organisations engaging with the EUParliament and the government

Generated 21 February 2026

How Parties Are Voting

Based on 13 recorded votes • Sorted by % Aye

IndependentGenerally For

19 / 0

Labour (Co-op)Generally For

995 / 139

Liberal DemocratMixed

23 / 14

Plaid CymruMixed

8 / 5

Scottish National PartyMixed

35 / 25

Democratic Unionist PartyMixed

20 / 31

Reform UKMixed

15 / 24

ConservativeMixed

291 / 468

SpeakerMixed

0 / 0

Sinn FéinMixed