THE Brexit Repeal Bill aims to prevent the UK falling into a legislative black hole when the UK leaves the European Union.

If EU laws covering matters as varied as environmental regulation, workers’ rights and financial services are not transferred onto the domestic statue book, they would have no legal standing in this country.

The “calm and orderly exit” Brexit Secretary David Davis is aiming for would become mired in legal uncertainty. Yesterday, Mr Davis called for political parties to work together, but it seems that the nearer Brexit comes, the more the uncertainty grows – legal or otherwise.

Durham County Council has issued a fresh warning over the future of services, citing Brexit as one of the reasons the authority has “no clue” about funding levels after 2019-20.

And the impact of Brexit on agriculture was the top talking point at this week’s Great Yorkshire Show. Environment Secretary Michael Gove used his visit to try and allay fears, but no one is yet any the wiser what will happen after 2022 when the Government pledge to match EU subsidies expires.

Uncertainty is the enemy of investment, and the longer it reigns, the greater the impact on jobs and growth.

So the reaction to yesterday’s first reading of the Repeal Bill does not bode well for a smooth process. Predictably fierce opposition from Labour, the Lib Dems, and the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales means even a miniscule rebellion from the Tory backbenches or DUP MPs could force yet another change of direction from the Prime Minister.

Last night, Number 10 was already signalling concessions could be made, so the uncertainty will go on, but at what price to the economy, and public services?