Brexit round-up – 05/02/21

UK applies to join Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership

The government has announced that the UK is formally applying to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), one of the world’s largest free-trade areas. The UK will publish its negotiation objectives, scoping analysis, and consultation response in advance of negotiations which are expected to start this Spring. Being a member of the CPTPP would it is argued have many benefits including eliminating tariffs more quickly on UK exports including whisky and cars and easier business travel between CPTPP countries. UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said “Joining CPTPP will create enormous opportunities for UK businesses that simply weren’t there as part of the EU and deepen our ties with some of the fastest-growing markets in the world. It will mean lower tariffs for car manufacturers and whisky producers, and better access for our brilliant services providers, delivering quality jobs and greater prosperity for people here at home.”

For more information please click here.

New UK driving licences and number plates announced

Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the government has announced that it will be launching new look driving licences and number plate designs from 1 January 2021 on which the EU flag has been removed. Existing licences and number plates will still be valid but any new issues will be in the new design. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said “Changing the designs of our driving licences and number plates is a historic moment for British motorists, and a reassertion of our independence from the EU one year on from our departure. Looking to the future, whether it’s for work or for holidays abroad, these changes mean that those who want to drive in the EU can continue to do so with ease.”

For more information please click here.

Government calls for extension to resolve trade issues

UK and EU leaders are to hold talks to try to resolve the trade issues between Great Britain and Northern Ireland after hauliers experienced problems transporting goods from Great Britain and checks on products from Great Britain were suspended after port staff were threatened. Since the UK left the EU, there have been issues with the transportation of goods into Northern Ireland due to the checks which are now in place and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now called for “urgent action” from the EU. The government has also written to the European Commission calling for temporary lighter enforcement of the rules to be extended until early 2023. Mr Johnson tweeted “Our commitment to the people of Northern Ireland and our Union is unshakeable. Recent EU moves have undermined the Protocol & understandably provoked concern. Let me underline that, now & in the future, Northern Ireland’s place in the UK will be protected and strengthened.”

For more information please click here.

Video: Data protection post Brexit – be prepared

The first in our series of post-Brexit webinars looked at the impact the UK’s withdrawal has had and may have on data protection rules. Damien Charlton is joined by data protections experts Phil Tompkins and Christopher Bowen.

Please 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.