UK overhauls legal system ahead of Brexit

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The British government on Thursday begins the mammoth task of overhauling its legal system in time for Brexit, also revealing its stance on matters such as nuclear safety after the split.

The "Great Repeal Bill" will pave the way for Britain to adopt, amend or repeal thousands of EU laws incorporated during its membership of the bloc.

Brexit Minister David Davis said the bill will ensure the United Kingdom will have a "fully functioning legal system" on leaving the EU.

Brexit Minister David Davis heading to Parliament to make a statement on the Great Repeal Bill white paper, on March 30, 2017. /VCG Photo

"This Bill means that we will be able to exit the EU with maximum certainty, continuity and control," he said in a statement.

But overhauling more than four decades of legislation through scrapping the 1972 European Communities Act is no small task, with opposition parties are already planning amendments to the bill.

"The government cannot use the Great Repeal Bill to get their way," said Liberal Democrats' leader Tim Farron.

"If you found the Article 50 Bill difficult, you should be under no illusion, this will be hell," he added, referring to the parliamentary debate ahead of Britain kickstarting Brexit proceedings.

Liberal Democrat's leader Tim Farron announced his resignation on June 14, 2017. /VCG Photo

Prime Minister Theresa May's government is also due to publish papers on three other major issues, after EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier urged so ahead of more exit talks next week.

"We need to know on which points we agree and on which points we disagree, so that we can negotiate in earnest," Barnier said in Brussels.

"We cannot remain idle as the clock is ticking," he added.

Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom Exiting the EU, addresses journalists at the EU Commission headquarters on July 12, 2017. /VCG Photo

Britain's stance on nuclear materials will be outlined, a day after European Parliament Brexit pointman Guy Verhofstadt said the UK cannot stay a member of the EU's nuclear regulator after Brexit.

There will also be a paper on judicial matters – a significant hurdle as London and Brussels continue to disagree on whether the European Court of Justice will continue to have jurisdiction.

Guy Verhofstadt, Brexit negotiator for the European Parliament, speaks ahead of a vote on the UK's Brexit resolution principles at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. /VCG Photo

The government will thirdly detail its view of an agreement on privileges and immunities afforded to the EU in a member country, covering areas such as property and taxes.

(Source: AFP)