Brexit Amendment & House of Lords

Type: News
Topic: Policy and legislation
Published on: 1st February 2018

Camphill Scotland and our partners* have been seeking cross party support for an Amendment to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill. This Amendment would require the UK Government to make arrangements for an independent evaluation of the impact of the Act and Brexit upon the health and social care sectors across the 4 Nations. This would be made after consulting the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers and the relevant Northern Ireland department, service providers, those requiring health and social care services, and others.

What difference would the amendment make?

Our organisations believe this amendment is necessary to determine the full impact of the legislation and Brexit upon the health and social care sectors across the 4 Nations, including the care and support for people with disabilities, for older people, for children and young people, for people with long term conditions and other support needs.

This, in turn, will help to ensure that the strategic planning and decision making of Governments, local authorities, the third sector, unions, the health and social care sector and other key agencies across the UK, in relation to the impact of Brexit on the health and social care sector in their respective nations, is fully informed and shaped by robust evidence.

From House of Commons to House of Lords

The Amendment, tabled by Joanna Cherry MP in the House of Commons, was narrowly defeated on 20 December by 318 votes to 294 votes. The Bill has now completed its main stages in the House of Commons, and has been introduced in the House of Lords.

Camphill Scotland, the Alliance and our other partners have been briefing Peers for this week’s Second Reading debate on the European Union (withdrawal) Bill in the House of Lords.

Will you support us?

We are working hard to get the Amendment tabled in the House of Lords and to secure cross party support. We would be glad to hear from Peers who would be interested in supporting the amendment.

We would also be interested in hearing form organisations which would like to support the amendment.