The Government has announced in a written statement on 10^th May that it is tabling an ‘amendment for Lords Report’, which will replace the current sunset clause in the Retained EU Law (REUL) Bill with a list of the retained EU laws that they intend to revoke at the end of 2023.

They state that this will provide certainty for business by making it clear which regulations will be removed from our statue book, instead of highlighting only the REUL that would be saved. The vitally important powers in the Bill that allow us to continue to amend EU laws will continue, so more complex regulation can still be revoked or reformed after proper assessment and consultation.

The passage of the Lords Report Stage will commence on the 15^th and 17^th May.

Rupert Ashby, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation commented:

“The British Frozen Food Federation welcomes the government’s announcement that it will remove the sunset clause from the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill through an amendment at Lords’ Report stage.

“It is positive news for businesses throughout the frozen food supply chain, as lack of clarity on which regulations would be removed from the statute book at the end of 2023 was causing uncertainty. Many of these regulations are essential to maintaining high standards of food safety and consumer confidence while aiding our ability to trade with the European Union.

“I am also pleased the government has published the ‘Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy’ paper, as we should be looking to simplify regulation where appropriate. I am sure our members will welcome further updates through regular publications from the government on how ministers plan to reduce overall regulatory burden, maximise innovation and growth, and support UK businesses.

“Frozen food is an increasingly popular choice for consumers looking for high quality and affordable options in their weekly shop and I know that our members will be pleased to have more regulatory certainty past the end of 2023.”

You can read the Government’s announcement in full here