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14 January 2021 / Michael Zander KC
Issue: 7916 / Categories: Features , Brexit , Constitutional law
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Brexit got done (Pt 2)

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Michael Zander on whether there was parliamentary scrutiny worthy of the name

Credit where credit is due. Boris Johnson pulled it off. Many, including this writer, doubted whether a trade deal with the EU could be achieved in a year. I felt all along that we would crash-out without a deal and share the general relief that in this respect we underestimated him.

But Parliament was given only one day to consider the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill—80 pages, 40 sections, 6 schedules—giving effect to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)—1,246 pages consisting of 410 pages of text and 836 pages of annexes and protocols. Less than five hours in the Commons; something over eight hours in the Lords. No Committee stage in either House. Not a single amendment to the Bill could be moved in either House. Speeches in the Commons limited to four and then three minutes. Speeches in the Lords limited to three minutes. And the Bill was only published the day before it was

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson appoints Vicky Tomlinson as Head of Independent Health and Care

DWF—five appointments

DWF—five appointments

DWF further strengthens major injury and casualty offering with new partner and four directors from DAC Beachcroft

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis strengthens Grimsby child care team

NEWS
The Financial Reporting Council’s revised Audit Enforcement Procedure will alter the balance of power in corporate investigations
A telecoms operator may be able to hold over under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, yet still be unable to secure a renewal: an outcome described as a legal ‘paradox’

Safety fears do not automatically justify shutting an interested person out of a statutory will application

Consumer credit law is heading for its biggest shake-up in 50 years, with the Consumer Credit Act 1974 set to yield much of its detailed statutory machinery to FCA rules
The Supreme Court has settled a long-running dispute over part-time workers: unfavourable treatment need be a significant or effective cause, not the sole cause
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