Uk wants swift deal outline brexit transition
The UK and EU have agreed on a draft outline for a Brexit transition period, which is expected to last from March 29, 2019, to December 31, 2020. The outline is based on the "Withdrawal Agreement" and the "Political Declaration" agreed upon by the two sides in November 2018.
Here are the key points of the draft outline:
Withdrawal Agreement:
- Transition period: The transition period will start on March 29, 2019, and end on December 31, 2020.
- EU law application: During the transition period, EU law will continue to apply to the UK, including the free movement of goods, services, and people.
- UK's withdrawal: The UK will withdraw from the EU on December 31, 2020, at the end of the transition period.
- Citizens' rights: The rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU will be protected during the transition period.
Political Declaration:
- Future relationship: The Political Declaration sets out the framework for the future relationship between the UK and EU, including trade, security, and cooperation.
- Trade: The UK and EU will aim to establish a free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of 2020, with a view to creating a comprehensive and ambitious trade relationship.
- Security: The UK and EU will cooperate on security and defense issues, including counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.
- Cooperation: The UK and EU will cooperate on a range of issues, including climate change, research, and education.
Key issues still to be resolved:
- Irish border: The UK and EU have yet to agree on a solution to the Irish border issue, which is a key sticking point in the negotiations.
- Financial settlement: The UK and EU have yet to agree on the financial settlement, which is the amount the UK will pay to the EU as part of its withdrawal.
- Future relationship: The UK and EU have yet to agree on the details of the future relationship, including the terms of the FTA and the level of cooperation on security and defense issues.
Overall, the draft outline provides a framework for the UK's withdrawal from the EU and sets out the terms of the transition period. However, there are still several key issues that need to be resolved before the UK can officially leave the EU.