Three French Hens or from 26 Other Member States

On 20 December 2019, MPs voted 358 to 234 - a majority of 124 - in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, which now goes on to further scrutiny in Parliament. Assuming the European Parliament also gives the green light, the UK will formally leave the EU on 31 January with a withdrawal deal. Thinking that Brexit would happen the day after the Referendum was a little odd! The chronology below shows where it all began and where the UK is to date.

• June 2016: UK votes to leave European Union in referendum

• Mar 2017: Government triggers Article 50 to start withdrawal process

• Nov 2018:EU leaders and Theresa May agree withdrawal deal

• Jan-Mar 2019: UK Parliament rejects deal three times

• Oct 2019: New PM Boris Johnson agrees deal with EU

• Dec 2019: MPs back Johnson’s Brexit bill by majority 124 votes

And so, following its departure, the UK will enter a transition period until 31 December 2020. 

During this period, the UK's trading relationship with the EU will remain the same while negotiations for a free trade deal take place. At the same time, many other aspects of the UK's future relationship with the EU - including law enforcement, data sharing and security - will need to be agreed. If a trade deal is ready in time, the UK's new relationship with the EU can begin immediately after the transition. If not, the UK faces the prospect of having to trade with no agreement in force. This would mean checks and tariffs on UK goods travelling to the EU. Boris Johnson has also ruled out any form of extension to the transition period, meaning the clock is already ticking.

How will Brexit affect business, employers, employment, immigration, emigration, travel across borders?

It is too soon to tell as the policies and the agreements with the EU have yet to be agreed. It won’t be a quick and easy process as so much has to be considered. Other key areas are:-

• Law enforcement, data sharing and security

• Aviation standards and safety

• Access to fishing waters

• Supplies of electricity and gas

• Licensing and regulation of medicines

As the next month unfolds, the Government departments will issue more guidance on how to navigate Brexit through our day to day lives.