Theresa May’s proposed Great Repeal Act moves the Brexit debate on, but only on how Brexit will occur. The what—the shape of our future relations with Europe, that is, the question glossed over by May’s “Brexit means Brexit” soundbite—remains unanswered.
From one point of view, repeal legislation merely advances to today a step that would otherwise be taken tomorrow. The European Communities Act 1972—which translates into our domestic law the rights and responsibilities derived from European Union membership—would need repealing anyway. And the mooted Act won’t take effect until we leave. It does nothing now.