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European Union Withdrawal (Implementation Period) Bill

A Bill to require Her Majesty’s Government to seek a two-year extension of the implementation period under Article 132 of the Withdrawal Agreement; to repeal the prohibition on agreeing to such an extension under section 33 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Ed DaveyLiberal Democrat

Last Updated

4 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would force the UK government to push for a two-year extension to the Brexit transition period, as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement. It would also repeal a 2020 law that currently blocks such an extension, allowing negotiations with the EU to consider keeping EU-aligned rules for longer. In short, it aims to extend the period before finalising a long-term relationship with the EU.

Key Points

- Requires the government to seek a two-year extension of the implementation/transition period under Article 132 of the Withdrawal Agreement.
- Repeals section 33 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020, which currently prohibits agreeing to an extension.
- Includes provisions for related or 'connected' measures needed to implement the extension if negotiated and agreed.
- Does not automatically extend; real extension depends on negotiations with the EU and passage of the bill into law.
- Introduced in the Commons by Ed Davey (Liberal Democrats) and currently at the 2nd reading stage.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd reading stage in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed examination and then to further stages in both Houses.

Who is affected?

UK Government and ministers (would be legally required to seek the extension)UK Parliament and political partiesBusinesses and industries that trade with or rely on EU rules during the transitionPublic services and regulatory bodies applying EU-derived rulesDevolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)UK residents, businesses, and organisations affected by European regulatory alignment during the transitionEU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU who are impacted by ongoing transitional arrangements

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - European Union Withdrawal (Implementation Period)

1 Jan 1970

This Bill has been dropped by its sponsoring MP and will not progress any further.

Documents (1)

Bill 130 2019-21 (as introduced)

BillCommons

10 Jun 2020

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

European Union Withdrawal (Implementation Period) Bill | TrackPolitics