It has been over 2 years since the British public voted to leave the EU, but the last weeks have seen activity ramping up significantly. With Brexit Secretary David Davis’s resignation and Theresa May’s much criticised Chequers Brexit plan, a point has been reached where a new sense of urgency and, dare I say, panic, seems to have energised the government. Most, though not all, would agree that a so called ‘no-deal’ Brexit is best avoided, though this scenario is becoming more likely as squabbling continues.
October is the next key milestone for us to bear in mind.
The EU’s chief negotiator has said negotiations must be complete before the end of October to give the 27 EU countries time to sign off the deal. MPs will also get to vote on the final deal in the UK Parliament before 29 March 2019.’
29 March, 2019: Brexit day – the UK ends its membership of the European Union at 23:00GMT and enters a transition period (probably).
31 December, 2020: The transition period is due to end and the new economic and political relationship between the UK and the EU to begin.
The Irish Border, EU citizens’ rights, UK citizens’ rights in the EU, tariffs and trade, as well as straightforward border control are amongst the most pressing issues that need to be sorted out.
The next few months are sure to be, at a minimum, interesting.
