Brexit negotiations have been ongoing since the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016. One of the key elements of the negotiation process has been the Withdrawal Agreement, which sets out the terms of the UK`s departure from the EU. In this article, we will explore what is in the Withdrawal Agreement and what it means for the UK.
The Withdrawal Agreement was negotiated between the UK and the EU over a period of two years and was finalized in November 2018. The agreement covers a range of issues including citizens` rights, the financial settlement, and the Irish border.
One of the most significant aspects of the agreement is the protection of the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU. The agreement ensures that these citizens will be able to continue living and working in their current homes and will retain access to healthcare, pensions, and other social benefits.
Another key element of the agreement is the financial settlement, which sets out the amount that the UK will pay to settle its financial obligations to the EU. The settlement is estimated to be around £39 billion and covers contributions to the EU budget and other long-term commitments.
The most contentious issue in the negotiations was the Irish border, which has been a major obstacle to reaching a deal. The agreement includes a “backstop” arrangement which would keep Northern Ireland aligned with EU regulations to avoid the need for a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. However, the backstop has been a source of controversy and has been rejected by many UK MPs.
Overall, the Withdrawal Agreement represents a significant achievement in the Brexit negotiations. While it has been criticized by some as not going far enough, it is a comprehensive document that sets out the terms of the UK`s departure from the EU. However, its future remains uncertain as the UK Parliament has yet to approve it – and with the ongoing political turmoil surrounding Brexit, it is unclear if it ever will.