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Post Brexit: where powers will lie explored

17 February 2017

The Welsh Affairs Committee begin their inquiry into the implications for Wales of the EU referendum result on Monday 20 February when they hear from Professor Alan Page, an expert in public law, about the Brexit process and repatriation of powers from the EU to the UK.

Witness

Monday 20 February 2017, The Grimond Room, Portcullis House

At 4.15pm

  • Professor Alan Page, Professor of Public Law, University of Dundee

Purpose of the session

Since Britain joined the EU, significant powers have been devolved from Westminster to the Welsh Assembly. In some areas, in particular agriculture, this was at the same time as the majority of legislation and enforcement remained at EU law. As the UK prepares to leave the EU, these powers will be repatriated. Will they return to Westminster or will they be combined with the National Assembly's existing powers?

Role of the devolved nations

The session also examines the role that the devolved nations of the United Kingdom will play in the Brexit process. The Supreme Court has ruled that the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have no veto on the triggering of Article 50.

However, the ongoing role of the devolved Governments during the Brexit negotiations is as yet unclear. Initial discussions have taken place in the Joint Ministerial Committee, but is this an effective forum?

Legal and constitutional implications 

This evidence session is the first in the Committee's Brexit inquiry. Generally, the Committee's focus will be on policy sectors effected by Brexit, but this session is an essential starting point to explore the legal and constitutional implications that will arise throughout the withdrawal process.

Further information

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