Brexit round-up – 05/11/18
5th November, 2018
Welcome to this, our latest Brexit round-up. Each week we provide a succinct round-up of the latest news surrounding the Brexit process, so you can keep abreast of the issues which are likely to affect your organisation.
Members of European Parliament (MEPs) debate inconclusive EU summit
EU Politicians in Strasbourg have debated the outcome of the EU Summit held on 17-18 October 2018. Most of the speakers placed the responsibility for the lack of a deal in Brexit negotiations on the UK Government and reiterated their support for the European Commission and EU negotiator Michel Barnier. In particular, they criticised the UK for “juggling figures” and “playing with the percentages” while 90 or 95 percent of the agreement still means no agreement. However, Donald Tusk said that if extending the transition period helped reach a deal, he was “sure the leaders would be ready to consider it positively.”
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Survey results highlight consequences of political impasse
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published new research on business preparations for Brexit as negotiations stall due to failure to reach an agreement on the Northern Ireland border. The research highlights that ongoing uncertainty is having a negative impact on investment decisions for eight out of ten firms and almost one in five firms say the point of no return for triggering their plans has already passed. The CBI will be sharing this new research with the UK Government, EU member states, the Commission and sister federations across Europe to highlight the cost of a no deal and attempt to break the political impasse.
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Briefing paper sets out a guide to the ‘Meaningful Vote’
The House of Commons Library has published ‘The User’s Guide to the Meaningful Vote’ to explain the role of Parliament in the approval or rejection of any Withdrawal Agreement that may be reached between the UK and EU27 in relation to the UK’s exit from the EU under Article 50. Overall the paper focuses on the domestic processes that underpin approval, ratification and implementation of a Withdrawal Agreement and highlights that in addition to the approval of the UK Parliament, the agreement cannot come into effect unless and until the European Parliament has also consented to it.
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Government proposes new law to safeguard UK citizens’ healthcare after Brexit
The Healthcare (International Arrangements) Bill has been introduced to Parliament to give the Government legal powers to safeguard healthcare for 190,000 expatriates and 50 million people who travel abroad every year, through agreements with the EU or member states. The Bill will establish the legal basis to fund and implement reciprocal healthcare schemes and share necessary data after the UK leaves the EU. Those reciprocal healthcare arrangements have benefits that include reducing the cost of insurance, making travel more viable for older people and higher risk groups and providing a boost to the travel economy.
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If you have any questions about any of the issues which are raised, or would like to discuss your own organisation’s options in the lead-up to Brexit, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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