Brexit benefits: sovereignty and law

Sovereignty and law: the benefits

1. 1

   EU law is no longer supreme in the UK

   The principle that EU law overrides Acts of Parliament was abolished. UK courts now apply UK law first.

   Only possible outside the EU1 Jan 2024Source: Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, s.3

2. 2

   The European Communities Act 1972 is repealed

   The Act that gave EU law direct effect in the UK no longer exists.

   Only possible outside the EU31 Jan 2020Source: European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, s.1

3. 3

   The European Court of Justice no longer rules on Great Britain

   Final legal decisions are made by UK courts.

   Only possible outside the EU31 Dec 2020Source: EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020

4. 4

   UK courts can depart from old EU case law

   Higher courts can now move away from past rulings of the European Court of Justice.

   Only possible outside the EU1 Jan 2024Source: Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, s.6

5. 5

   EU 'general principles' removed from UK law

   These can no longer be used to strike down UK legislation.

   Only possible outside the EU1 Jan 2024Source: Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, s.4

6. 6

   Over 2,000 EU-derived laws revoked or reformed

   Parliament and ministers are reviewing rules that were written for 28 countries.

   Only possible outside the EUBy Jan 2024Source: HM Government, Brexit: four years on (2024)

7. 7

   The UK has its own seat at the World Trade Organization

   The UK negotiates and votes for itself in global trade talks.

   Only possible outside the EU1 Jan 2021Source: WTO; Department for Business and Trade

8. 8

   An independent UK sanctions regime

   The UK can impose sanctions quickly and on its own terms, as it has on Russia since 2022.

   Only possible outside the EU2018 ActSource: Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018

More topics: Sovereignty and law · Trade · Borders and immigration · Tax and cost of living · Business and finance · Health and science · Farming, fishing and nature · Tech and data · The full selection of 52

The numbers match our full selection of 52 Brexit benefits. We only list changes that are in force or signed, with a date and a primary source. "Only possible outside the EU" means EU law or EU exclusive powers would have blocked it. "Made easier by leaving" means it was possible in principle but faster or simpler outside.