Brexit round-up – 04/12/20

Prospect of breakthrough in Brexit negotiations receding

After earlier confidence of a breakthrough being reached in negotiations between the UK and EU earlier this week, a senior Government source has now said to the BBC that such prospects are receding, with the EU’s negotiators “bringing new elements into the negotiation” at the “eleventh hour”. Despite this, it was hoped that such a breakthrough may be “still possible in the next few days.” The UK and EU are trying to reach a deal before the end of the Brexit transition period which expires on 31 December, with key issues holding up talks including fishing rights and competition rules and the policing of these rules in the future. EU sources predict the “bulk of outstanding work” on a deal could be done by the end of the week, but that fine-tuning could take a few more days.

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New UK immigration system goes live

On 1 December the UK’s new post-Brexit immigration system went live, with free movement of people to and from the EU due to come to an end on 31 December. Applications have opened for a range of visa routes, with skilled worker visas being judged on a points system with skilled workers needing a job offer, the requisite proficiency in English, and to meet a salary threshold of typically at least £25,600 a year. EU citizens already resident in the UK have until 30 June 2021 to apply for settled status and instead do not have to go through this new system. The Government believes this will lead to greater investment by firms in training of British workers.

For more information please click here.

Click here to watch our recent webinar about the new system.

Live animal exports to be banned in England and Wales post-Brexit

The Environment Secretary George Eustice has announced that a ban on the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter could be in place by the end of 2021. This is a break from the existing EU free trade rules which allow animals to be transported abroad for slaughter. It is estimated that only a few thousand animals are shipped from the UK to Europe for slaughter out of the millions of animals bred for meat each year. However, the UK Government has decided to introduce this ban as part of a push on implementing its own animal welfare issues, and is adamant it will not fall foul of wider global trade rules.

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Video: State aid and procurement

The transition period will maintain the status quo until 31 December 2020 – but after that we will be subject to an alternative regime. What restriction will there be on State subsidy?  What will happen to existing grants and other State measures? What aid will be permissible under any new system? Will the public sector still be bound by procurement rules?

In this video state aid and procurement specialists Dean Murray and Tim Care discuss the implications of Brexit in these areas.

Click here to view.

If you have any questions about any of the issues which are raised, or would like to discuss your own organisation’s options during the Brexit process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.