Brexit Agreement in Full
After years of tense negotiations, the UK and the European Union have finally agreed on the terms of their separation. The Brexit agreement in full was announced on December 24, 2020, just days before the UK was set to leave the EU.
The agreement, which runs to more than 1,200 pages, covers a wide range of issues, from trade and security to fishing rights and immigration. Here`s a breakdown of some of the key points of the Brexit agreement in full:
Trade:
The UK and the EU have agreed to a zero-tariff, zero-quota trade deal that will allow goods to flow between the two markets without customs duties or other barriers. This is a significant achievement, as it will help to reduce the economic disruption that many feared would result from a “no-deal” Brexit.
The deal also includes provisions to ensure that British businesses can compete fairly in the EU market, and vice versa. There are safeguards to protect against unfair competition, including commitments not to lower environmental or labor standards to gain a competitive advantage.
Fisheries:
One of the thorniest issues in the Brexit negotiations was fishing rights. Under the agreement, the UK will regain control of its waters, but EU boats will be allowed to fish in them for a transitional period of five and a half years. After that, the two sides will negotiate annually on the amount of fish that can be caught in UK waters.
Security:
The UK will continue to cooperate with the EU on security issues, including sharing intelligence and working together to combat terrorism and other threats. However, the UK will no longer be a member of the EU`s law enforcement agencies, such as Europol.
Immigration:
Free movement between the UK and the EU will come to an end, and new rules will be introduced for UK citizens who want to live and work in the EU, and vice versa. UK citizens will be able to stay in the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, and will be able to apply for longer stays under certain circumstances. EU citizens will have similar rights in the UK.
Overall, the Brexit agreement in full represents a significant milestone in the UK`s relationship with the EU. While there are still many details to be worked out and challenges to be faced, the agreement provides a framework for the two sides to move forward and build a new relationship based on cooperation and mutual respect.
