Our research on Brexit and the EU

United Kingdom Internal Market Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages

The United Kingdom Internal Market Bill is a government bill that would make provision for the continuation of the UK’s single market when the transition period ends on 31 December 2020. As part of this it would provide for the ‘market access principles’ of mutual recognition and non-discrimination to apply to the sale of goods and the provision of services within the UK. It also seeks to provide unfettered access for qualifying Northern Ireland goods to the market in Great Britain. It contains provisions that seek to give ministers the power to unilaterally interpret, modify the application of or disapply parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol, notwithstanding their obligations under relevant international and domestic law.

• Brexit & the EU
• Devolution
• Economy
• International Law

Trade Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages

This government bill would introduce measures to support the UK in implementing an independent trade policy, having left the European Union.

• Agriculture & Farming
• Brexit & the EU
• International Trade

Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages

Amongst its provisions, the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill would give effect to the Government’s policy of ending freedom of movement once the transition phase ends at the end of December 2020. It would also confirm the continued right of Irish citizens to come to and work in the UK after the ending of freedom of movement and it would provide a power to amend, via regulations, retained EU law governing social security coordination.

• Brexit & the EU
• Immigration
• Welfare & Pensions

UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement

On 2 March 2021, the House of Lords is due to take note of the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement. The agreement would set out the UK and Kenya’s future trading relationship. This article considers the details of the agreement, as well as scrutiny it has received from the House of Lords International Agreements Committee.

• Africa
• Brexit & the EU
• International Trade

Brexit: Replacing EU funding in Wales

This article looks at the Government’s commitments to replace EU development funding in Wales, which has ceased because of Brexit. An oral question on the subject is due to be asked in the House of Lords on 3 March 2021.

• Brexit & the EU
• Devolution
• Local Government

Fast tracked planning permission to use land as temporary inland border facilities

The Town and Country Planning (Border Facilities and Infrastructure) (EU Exit) (England) Special Development Order 2020 (SI 2020/928) has sped up the planning process for land to be used as inland border facilities in specified areas of England. The Government stated this is necessary due to the increased border control measures needed now the UK has left the EU. On 11 February 2021, the House of Lords will debate a motion ‘regretting’ the legislation.

• Brexit & the EU
• International Trade
• Transport