A bill to deliver the Government’s proposed “EU reset” is set to be a centrepiece of May’s King’s Speech. It will reportedly give Ministers powers to update UK law in line with certain EU rules (so-called “dynamic alignment”) in areas such as animal and plant health (known as Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS)), energy co-operation and emissions trading. Much of this is likely to be done through delegated legislation, including the use of controversial Henry VIII powers, allowing Ministers to amend primary legislation with limited parliamentary scrutiny. We are joined by Professor Catherine Barnard (University of Cambridge) to explore what dynamic alignment really means, why the UK is already tracking some EU rules, and whether this approach is a pragmatic economic necessity or a sidestepping of Parliament. We also discuss how Westminster and the devolved legislatures will need to adapt if they are to spot and shape policy before it is set in legislative stone by the European Commission.

In a rare show of resistance, Parliament’s usually low-profile Ecclesiastical Committee has blocked a package of reforms to Church of England governance. What’s behind the clash over accountability and safeguarding and why have delegated powers become a sticking point here too?

As the parliamentary session draws to a close, attention turns to prorogation. Once Parliament is prorogued, MPs and Peers cannot be recalled except in the most exceptional circumstances. In an increasingly volatile world, is it wise to shut down accountability for a fortnight? We explore the risks and suggest a possible way around the problem.

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Presenters: Mark D’Arcy and Ruth Fox

Producer: Gareth Jones

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