header-logo header-logo

Brexit: towards the cliff edge?

15 October 2020 / Paul Henty
Issue: 7906 / Categories: Features , Brexit , Constitutional law
printer mail-detail
29195
Paul Henty provides an update on Brexit negotiations with the possibility of a ‘no-deal’ scenario looming large

In brief

  • The UK’s current status.
  • The UK Internal Market Bill.
  • Legal action by the EU.
  • What does this mean for citizens and businesses?

The aim of this piece is quite ambitious: to give an up to date assessment of the state of play in Brexit negotiations, assess the prospects of a trade deal being reached between the UK and EU before the end of the Transition Period and assess the potential impact on businesses if such a deal is not reached.

The UK’s current status

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020. While that date had undeniable significance, many of the effects of Brexit were cushioned by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement (WA), which came into force on 31 December 2019.

Articles 126–132 of the WA provided for a transition period (https://bit.ly/36Jlvzd), which will continue in force until 31 December 2020 (Transition Period). While

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Tech companies will be legally required to prevent material that encourages or assists serious self-harm appearing on their platforms, under Online Safety Act 2023 regulations due to come into force in the autumn
Commercial leasehold, the defence of insanity and ‘consent’ in the criminal law are among the next tranche of projects for the Law Commission
The Bar has a culture of ‘impunity’ and ‘collusive bystanding’ in which making a complaint is deemed career-ending due to a ‘cohort of untouchables’ at the top, Baroness Harriet Harman KC has found
Lawyers have broadly welcomed plans to electronically tag up to 22,000 more offenders, scrap most prison terms below a year and make prisoners ‘earn’ early release
David Lammy, Ellie Reeves and Baroness Levitt have taken up office at the Ministry of Justice, following the cabinet reshuffle
back-to-top-scroll