Brexit Bulletin: Latest information for lawyers

Brexit Bulletin: Latest information for lawyers

 

As of 11pm on 31 January 2020 (exit day), the UK is no longer an EU Member State and will no longer participate in the political institutions and governance structures of the EU.

However, in accordance with the transitional arrangements provided in Part 4 of the Withdrawal Agreement, exit day marks the commencement of an 11-month implementation period.

During this period, the UK will continue to be treated by the EU as a Member State for many purposes—putting many of the legal and practical changes associated with Brexit on hold.

 

Key milestones—the story so far vs future landscape

 

[ÀÏ˾»úÎçÒ¹¸£Àû UK]

 

Exit day—what happens next?

 

Under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, the implementation period will run from exit day until 11pm on 31 December 2020 (IP completion day). During this period, the UK must continue to adhere to its obligations under EU law (including EU treaties, legislation, principles and international agreements), and submit to the continuing jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union in accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement.

The  () implements the Withdrawal Agreement into UK domestic law. It amends the  (), which made no provision for an implementation period, and includes a range of interpretation and consequential provisions in order to effect the implementation period and the associated changes in timing. IP completion day replaces exit day for many purposes throughout the  and related Brexit legislation, including specific provisions to defer the commencement of Brexit SIs and related enactments.

 

Latest news

 

Brexit Bulletin—Foreign Office publishes the ratified Withdrawal Agreement

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has published the ratified Withdrawal Agreement. Sir Tim Barrow, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the EU, deposited the instrument of ratification to the European Council ahead of its adoption (see: ). Completion of these steps, and the addition of the signed Withdrawal Agreement to the FCO Treaty Series marked the final stages in its domestic ratification ahead of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU at 11pm on 31 January 2020.

See: .

Brexit Bulletin—examining the final preparations for exit day

As MEPs gathered in Brussels to approve the Withdrawal Agreement on 29 January 2020, the UK introduced Commencement Orders to bring into force relevant provisions of the legislation implementing and giving effect to the Withdrawal Agreement in domestic law, in preparation for exit day on 31 January 2020. Kieran Laird, partner and head of constitutional affairs in the Gowling WLG Brexit Unit, comments on the final stages of the Withdrawal Agreement ratification and the associated legislation.

See: .

The European Commission has published a Q&A factsheet on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on 31 January 2020. It includes details on the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration, the transitional arrangements, the UK’s status and continuing obligations after exit day and preparations for the formal negotiations to agree a ‘new and fair partnership’, among other topics

See: .

The EU’s draft mandate for talks with the UK on the partnership after Brexit is likely to be announced on 3 February 2020 and will allow the 27 remaining EU Member States a three-week period for comments, MLex has learned

See News Analysis: .

The UK's next phase of Brexit talks will be run by a ‘small and agile’ unit answering to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his office has said, confirming a long-expected realignment. Johnson, who will make a televised address on 31 January 2020, is expected to lay out the government's detailed negotiating position for the forthcoming trade and security negotiations in early February 2020

See News Analysis: .

 

LexisPSL: Brexit toolkit and practical guidance

 

Did you know we have a dedicated section in LexisPSL for Brexit, with a lens on each Practice Area and how it will be affected?

Click below to view our Brexit toolkit, news, legislation, practical guidance and FAQs.

 

Latest Practice Notes:

Brexit legislation tracker

 

Not a subscriber to Lexis®PSL?  For a free trial click here.

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About the author:
Amy Simpson

Amy is an established writer and researcher, having contributed to publications, such as The Law Society, LPM, City A.M. and Financial IT. Her role at ÀÏ˾»úÎçÒ¹¸£Àû UK involved writing content and research reports, including "The Bellwether Report 2020, Covid-19: The next chapter" and "Are medium-sized firms the change-makers in legal?"