Brexit Update: Here's what you may have Missed
81 days. That's how long Britain has before it departs the European Union. Unsurprisingly then, there was a flurry of Brexit-related activity before and during the festive period. As they say, here’s what you may have missed.
Following the various technical notices that were released in 2018, the UK Government has now launched this portal as a single source of information to help businesses prepare for Brexit. Content will continue to be added in the coming months, with a call from Government for Members to submit feedback on its usefulness for our sector.
Whilst decision makers on both sides of the English Channel continue to stress the improbability of no-deal, the EU commission has taken the UK’s lead in publishing its Contingency Action Plan for specific sectors. Albeit light on detail around health, the package includes measures on areas such as citizens, customs and the export of goods.
The other key player here, as we have repeatedly identified, is Ireland, where the Government has released its own no-deal plans. Serving as a stark reminder of the predicament Theresa May would face if her deal does not pass through Parliament, this write-up summarises the key points of the extensive 131 page document.
On the regulatory front, the MHRA has released updated no-deal guidance which provides information for those manufacturers wishing to place product on the UK market post-Brexit. Further discussions are now needed to ensure this decision is reciprocated at pan-European level.
And finally, a white paper has been published on the future skills-based immigration system. The new scheme will be implemented in a phased approach from 2021 following public feedback, with further news on this engagement process expected shortly. We will of course update you accordingly.
