What Does the Withdrawal Agreement Cover

The Withdrawal Agreement is published to define the rules of the disengagement of the United Kingdom from the European Union. The agreement outlines the rights and obligations of both parties following the departure of the UK. The Withdrawal Agreement is an important document that could impact various areas of the UK economy, including trade, immigration policies, and more. Here is an overview of what the Withdrawal Agreement covers:

1. Citizens` rights

The Withdrawal Agreement guarantees the rights of EU citizens currently living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU. This includes the right to work, study, and access healthcare and social security. Additionally, the agreement establishes a legal mechanism to protect these rights, ensuring that citizens will be able to enforce them in the UK courts.

2. Financial settlement

The agreement covers the financial settlement that the UK must pay to the EU as part of its departure. This is to ensure that the UK bears the financial obligations that it committed to during its membership of the EU. The settlement is estimated to be around £39 billion.

3. Transition period

The Withdrawal Agreement includes a transition period, which will last until the end of 2020. During this period, the UK will remain part of the EU`s single market and customs union, allowing businesses and citizens to prepare for the changes that will come into effect after the transition period ends.

4. Northern Ireland

One of the most controversial aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement is the treatment of Northern Ireland. The agreement establishes a ‘backstop’ arrangement, which would come into effect if the UK and the EU cannot agree on a future trade deal. The backstop would ensure that there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and would maintain some regulatory alignment between Northern Ireland and the EU.

Overall, the Withdrawal Agreement covers a range of important issues that will have significant impacts on the UK and the EU`s future. The agreement provides a framework for the UK`s departure from the EU, ensuring that there is clarity and certainty for citizens, businesses, and governments. However, the agreement is complex, and there has been much debate and discussion around its provisions, the deal has yet to be implemented, and many challenges remain ahead.