//Where is the clause in the European Union Withdrawal (No.2) Act metioning surrender?//
OK. I'll have a go (although I accept that the word “surrender” is not used):
The bill determines that the Commons must either (1) agree to any agreement the UK concludes with the EU or (2) agree to leave without an such an agreement. All well and good. However, it’s what it dictates next in the almost certain event that neither of those happens that, in my view, constitutes a “surrender”. The Bill determines that the PM must write to the EU (and it determines the wording of the letter) seeking an extension to A50 to 31st January 2020. If the EU agrees to the 31st January proposal the PM must “immediately after such a decision is made, notify the President of the European Council that the United Kingdom agrees to the proposed extension.” But, here’s the really big rub: if the EU decides to agree an extension but to a date other than 31st January 2020 “the Prime Minister must, within a period of two days beginning with the end of the day on which the European Council’s decision is made, or before the end of 30 October 2019, whichever is sooner, notify the President of the European Council that the United Kingdom agrees to the proposed extension.” Only if the Commons fails to pass a motion accepting that date can it be declined.
So, this Bill not only cedes the conditions under which the UK can leave to the EU (as they principally drive the “negotiations”) but it also forfeits the right for the EU to determine the date on which we leave. In theory, the EU could say “OK. Extension agreed – to 31st December 2050). It would then be incumbent on the Commons to fail to agree to that date – and with its current make-up it is highly likely they would bend over backwards to secure such an agreement.
The Bill not only circumvents an already existing Act of Parliament (which says we should leave on 31st October) but it takes the manner of our leaving and the date of our departure out of the hands of the Prime Minister. It is an absolute disgrace and “Surrender Bill” is a perfectly appropriate title.