Clause 37: Interpretation

347 Subsection (1) defines certain terms used throughout the Bill.

348 Subsection (2) makes further provision about the meaning of references to IP completion day. References to before, after or on IP completion day or to beginning with IP completion day are to be read as references to before, after or at 11.00 p.m. on 31 December 2020 or (as the case may be) to beginning with 11.00 p.m. on that day.

349 Subsections (3) to (5) deal with changes to IP completion day. Subsection (3) sets out when the power at subsection (4) to amend the definition of IP completion day or references to IP completion day may be used. The power may be used (a) in accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement (i.e. when a decision to extend the implementation period has been taken), and/or (b) to take account of any changes to EU summertime arrangements. Subsection (4) then provides for the power to be exercised by a Minister of the Crown, with subsection (5) defining what is meant by the term ‘EU summertime arrangements’ in this clause.

350 Subsection (6) clarifies that references to Articles of the Treaty on European Union also include references to those Articles as applied by the Euratom Treaty.