[JURIST] The UK Parliament on Thursday released the Great Repeal Bill [text, PDF], outlining the process to solve issues that could arise out as Britain leaves the EU. The legislation comes a day after the UK government triggered Article 50 [JURIST report] of the Lisbon Treaty to officially begin the process of leaving the EU. The bill has three main functions: repealing the European Communities Act 1972 [text], converting EU law to British law, and allowing the Parliament to create laws to fix issues in the legal system as a result of leaving the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May [official profile] fully supports the bill and the steps it takes to separate from the EU but also build a new relationship.

The Government’s first objective as we negotiate a new deep and special partnership with the European Union is to provide business, the public sector, and everybody in our country with as much certainty as possible as we move through the process. This clarity will help people to plan effectively, recruit appropriately and invest as necessary while the negotiations continue and the new partnership we will enjoy with the European Union is being formed.

Some worry that the “sweeping powers” of the bill are too swift [BBC report]. Lib Dem chief whip Tom Brake [official profile] said that if needed they would stop the government until the proper process and safeguards are in place before the bill is passed.

There has been controversy surrounding Britain’s choice to leave the EU since June when a majority of UK citizens voted [JURIST report] to leave the EU due to a growing discontent with EU policies, including immigration. The Brexit bill received royal assent [JURIST report] from the Queen earlier in March allowing May to use Article 50 to exit the EU. Implications of Brexit extend well beyond immigration, however. Scottish lawmakers, under the guidance of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, on Tuesday voted [JURIST report] 69-59 in favor of holding an independence referendum.