These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 8(1) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies (in particular under section 8(2)(c) of that Act) arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. They are also made in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 12 and 14 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 which make provision for recognition of professional qualifications and equal treatment and provisions implementing the withdrawal agreement, the EEA EFTA separation agreement and the Swiss citizens’ rights agreement (as those agreements are defined in section 39(1) of that Act),

These Regulations revoke with some savings, legislation in the field of legal services in particular, legislation relating to the provision of legal services and the practice of law by European lawyers within England and Wales and Northern Ireland. The Schedule make consequential amendments and transitional provision.

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector is available from Judicial and Legal Services Policy, Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AJ and is published alongside this instrument at www.legislation.gov.uk.