The Brexit agreement document: What You Need to Know
The Brexit agreement document is a comprehensive 585-page legal text which outlines the terms of the UK`s departure from the European Union. It was agreed upon by both the UK and the EU in November 2018, and after much debate and scrutiny, it was finally ratified on January 31, 2020, marking the official exit of the UK from the EU.
So, what exactly is in the Brexit agreement document, and what are its key provisions?
The first thing to note is that the document is divided into three parts: the Withdrawal Agreement, the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the Political Declaration.
The Withdrawal Agreement deals with the terms of the UK`s departure from the EU, including the financial settlement that the UK will pay to the EU (estimated to be around £33 billion), as well as citizens` rights and the transition period.
The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland is a contentious issue, as it sets out the arrangements for the Northern Ireland border after Brexit. The protocol aims to maintain an open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but it has been a source of controversy due to fears that it could lead to the division of the United Kingdom.
The Political Declaration, on the other hand, outlines the framework for the future relationship between the UK and the EU. It covers a range of issues, including trade, security, and cooperation in areas such as research and innovation.
One of the key elements of the Brexit agreement document is the transition period, which began on February 1, 2020, and is set to end on December 31, 2020. During this time, the UK will continue to follow EU rules and regulations, but will no longer be a member of the EU. This gives both the UK and the EU time to negotiate and implement their future relationship.
It`s worth noting that the Brexit agreement document is not a trade deal. Negotiations for a UK-EU trade deal are ongoing, and the outcome is still uncertain.
Overall, the Brexit agreement document is a complex legal text that covers a wide range of issues. While it has been controversial and divisive, it represents an important milestone in the UK`s relationship with the EU. As negotiations for a trade deal continue, it`s clear that the impact of the Brexit agreement document will be felt for many years to come.