Brexit: Here’s what happens next Text By Simon Usherwood (Professor In Politics, University of Surrey)
www.theconversation.com
ANYONE IMAGINING THAT the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union on January 31st might mean things will go quiet on the ‘Brexit’ front, they are likely to be disappointed. It looks like 2020 will be just as packed as the past three rollercoaster years. The fundamental reason for this is that while the UK has left the EU, it has not yet established a new relationship. This year
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is a transition period, during which not much changes. The UK will no longer be a member of the European Union but it will continue to adhere to its rules – including on freedom of movement. During the transition period, the future relationship is supposed to be negotiated. There will be a busy schedule for all involved and a number of pinch points through the year.
FEBRUARY 2020: PRIORITIES AND TIMETABLES The first step in the ‘Brexit’ process involves arranging the negotiating table. This will take place in February, after the official departure. As the transition period gets under way, the Joint Committee of EU and UK officials starts its work to manage the day-to-day practicalities. Meanwhile, both the UK and the EU will be concluding internal
discussions about what they want to come next. A Political Declaration was attached to the ‘Brexit’ Withdrawal Agreement, signed by both sides. This sets out the rough list of what needs to be agreed, with a trade deal occupying most attention. But there’s a long list of other elements that need to be discussed, including how to make plans for the Irish border and how data will
