Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill

Further written evidence submitted by the BMA (British Medical Association) (REULB97)

Further to our evidence to the Public Bill Committee on the Retained EU Law Bill, submitted on 21 November, it has come to our attention that the post-Brexit standstill (initially introduced for two years post-transition but recently extended until the end of 2023) is now covered by the Bill.

Previously DHSC advised that it was not covered which now creates a big risk as it means that if a decision is not taken to extend standstill by the end of next year, it will disappear due to the sunset clause envisaged in the Bill. That could create challenges for recruiting EU/EEA doctors and might result in significant medical workforce shortages if the review, planed early next year, goes slowly for example. The BMA would urge the Committee to seek clarifications from the Government on that point, and would be very grateful if this point could be put in front of the Committee in addition to our already submitted evidence.

28 November 2022