Commons2nd reading

European Communities Act 1972 (Repeal) Bill

A Bill to repeal the European Communities Act 1972 and related legislation; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

2 May 2012

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would repeal the European Communities Act 1972 and related legislation, removing the automatic use and primacy of EU law in the UK. After repeal, Parliament would decide how EU-derived rules should be kept or replaced through domestic laws. The Bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Repeals the European Communities Act 1972 and related legislation.
Ends automatic incorporation and primacy of EU law in UK law; EU-derived rules would need to be preserved or replaced by domestic legislation.
Parliament would determine how to handle existing EU rights and obligations, potentially with transitional arrangements.

Who is affected?

UK citizens and residentsBusinesses and workers affected by EU-derived rulesPublic bodies and regulatorsLegal sector (courts and lawyers)Devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)Trade associations, consumer groups and civil society organisations

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

5 Jul 2010

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - European Communities Act 1972 (Repeal)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

European Communities Act 1972 (Repeal) Bill | TrackPolitics