'Inappropriate powers' in Sanctions Bill says Lords Committee

17 Nov 2017 01:30 PM

The Constitution Committee today warns that the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill, the first Brexit bill to be scrutinised by the House of Lords, contains inappropriately broad powers for ministers.

The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill intends to provide a new, long-term legal basis for ministers to make secondary legislation concerning sanctions, money laundering and terrorist financing. The bill is expected to begin committee stage in the House of Lords on Tuesday 21 November.

Committee's concerns

The Constitution Committee's scrutiny of the bill includes:

Chairman's comments

Commenting on the Bill Baroness Taylor of Bolton, Chairman of the Committee said:

"The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill grants unduly broad powers to ministers and establishes sanctions regimes that will be subject to less scrutiny and challenge than those that exist at present.

"The Bill is the first piece of Brexit legislation to be scrutinised by the House of Lords. The Government should not use the transfer of laws from the EU to the UK as an opportunity to increase its own power, reduce scrutiny, or weaken individuals’ rights."

Further information