EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the definition of “exit day” in the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16) (“the 2018 Act”) and come into force immediately after they are made.
In accordance with the European Council decision on 22nd March 2019 (European Council Decision (EU) 2019/476, O.J. No. L 80 I, p.1), an extension to the period in Article 50(3) of the Treaty on European Union was agreed between the United Kingdom and the European Council. As a result, the Treaties of the European Union (“the Treaties”) were due to cease to apply to the United Kingdom at 11.00 p.m. on 12th April 2019.
On 11th April 2019 a further extension of the period in Article 50(3) was agreed between the United Kingdom and the European Council (European Council Decision (EU) 2019/584, O.J. No. L 101, p.1). As a result, the Treaties instead cease to apply to the United Kingdom at 11.00 p.m. on 31st October 2019.
Regulation 2 amends the definition of “exit day” in section 20(1) and (2) of the 2018 Act to ensure that it reflects the new day and time that the Treaties cease to apply to the United Kingdom in light of the further extension.