In the first of a series of Brexit updates & analysis by Penningtons Manches LLP, Gemma Davis provides a high level analysis of some of the key legal issues
- While the ultimate consequences of Brexit remain unclear, businesses and individuals can take steps now to maximise commercial opportunities and guard against potential risks.
Theresa May triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on 29 March 2017. The UK and the EU therefore have until 29 March 2019 to negotiate the terms of the UK’s withdrawal, unless transitional arrangements are agreed that enable discussions for longer. It is important to remember that until then, EU law will continue to apply in the UK and there will be no immediate change in the way that people move or trade.
It has been confirmed that the UK’s negotiating team will follow the EU’s suggested protocol in discussing the Divorce Bill and the status of citizens’ rights, along with the Ireland/Northern Ireland border issue first, before moving on to negotiating any free trade deal. Negotiation rounds will take place every four weeks
