Lawyers have welcomed MPs’ backing for an agreement to allow UK solicitors to be allowed to practise in the EU, and EU lawyers in the UK, post-Brexit.
A report by the House of Commons Justice Select Committee, Implications of Brexit for the justice system, published this week, highlights the importance of the legal sector and emphasises the benefits of EU regulations on cross border commercial dispute settlement mechanisms.
Law Society President Robert Bourns, who gave evidence to the committee, welcomed the report. He said it “emphasises the importance of cross-border co-operation on tackling crime and family law as well as addressing issues like the near-automatic recognition of civil and commercial judgments, and enabling business”.
Daniel Eames, chair of Resolution’s International Committee, who also gave evidence, also welcomed the report.
“Incorporating EU law into domestic legislation on its own won’t work as we need to have reciprocity and cross border recognition,” he said.
“Without reciprocal rules, there can be no legal certainty in outcomes with all the ensuing complications, delays and potential costs for families and children. There must also be suitable transitional provisions in case not all negotiations are concluded before the UK has formally left the EU.
“We accept that family law will not be the highest priority for this government during the Brexit negotiations. However, for the thousands of UK citizens that are married and living overseas, and EU citizens that are married and living in the UK, issues concerning cross-border family law will be of critical importance should their relationship come to an end.”
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