The impact of the UK’s exit from the European Union to be debated by MPs

On Monday 24 April, MPs will debate a petition relating to the impact of the UK’s exit from the European Union.

• Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 24 April)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
• Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #EUExit #PetitionsDebate

Martyn Day MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

We call upon the Government to hold a Public Inquiry into the impact of Brexit

The petition, which has more than 137,000 signatures, states: “The benefits that were promised if the UK exited the European Union have not been delivered, so we call upon the Government to hold a Public Inquiry to assess the impact that Brexit has had on this country and its citizens.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 5 December 2022, the Government said: “The UK’s departure from the EU was a democratic choice and the UK-EU institutions are functioning as intended. The Government does not believe this to be an appropriate subject for a public inquiry.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on whether to hold a public inquiry into the impact of the UK’s exit from the European Union.  

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.