BREXIT - IMMIGRATION ACT RECEIVES ROYAL ASSENT - FREE MOVEMENT TO END ON 31/12/20

 

Immigration Act receives Royal Assent: free movement to end on 31 December 2020

The Immigration Act has today (Wednesday 11 November 2020) received Royal Assent and been signed into law.

Published 11 November 2020

From:

Home Office

This means free movement will end around seven weeks from now, at 11pm on 31December 2020.

It delivers on the government’s manifesto commitment to restore faith in the immigration system.

For the first time in a generation, the UK will be able to decide who comes into the country, based on the skills they have to offer - not where they are from.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

Today marks the delivery of our promise to the British people to regain control of our borders and consider new arrivals on the basis of the skills they have to offer and the contribution they can make, not where they come from.

The passing of this landmark Bill means that for the first time in decades we will have a firm and fair immigration system that will support our economy and see us build back better.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

This time last year the government promised to end free movement, take back control of our borders and introduce a new points-based immigration system.

Today we have officially delivered on that promise.

The Act of Parliament which ends free movement has completed its journey through Parliament and today achieved Royal Assent.

This is an historic day in our new direction outside of the EU – controlling our own borders and delivering on the people’s priorities.

The points-based immigration system will encourage employers to focus on training and investing in the UK work force, driving productivity and improving opportunities for individuals, especially those impacted by coronavirus.

Those wanting to come into the UK to work will need to apply for permission in advance. They will be awarded points for a job offer at the appropriate skill level, if they speak English, and for meeting the appropriate salary threshold. Visas will be awarded to those who gain enough points.

A marketing campaign is underway to make sure businesses are ready for the changes.

The government is also introducing special schemes to enable more scientists, academics, investors, entrepreneurs, and health and care workers to come to the UK easily.

Irish citizens will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now.

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in the UK before 31 December 2020, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.

Read further details on the points-based immigration system

The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 started its passage through the Houses of Parliament on 5 March 2020

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BREXIT - IRELAND/NORTHERN IRELAND SPECIALISED COMMITTEE 5/11/20

 

Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee 05 November 2020

UK statement following the fourth meeting of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee between the UK Government and European Commission.

Published 5 November 2020

From:

Cabinet Office

The fourth meeting of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee was held today via video conference and co-chaired by officials from the UK Government and the European Commission.

A representative from the Northern Ireland Executive also attended as part of the UK delegation in line with the commitment made in the New Decade, New Approach deal.

The UK and the EU exchanged updates on the implementation of the Protocol. The Committee noted that an agreed approach had been reached on a phased process for implementing medicines regulation in Northern Ireland up to 31 December 2021, providing the additional time needed for businesses to prepare in relation to batch testing, importation and Falsified Medicines Directive requirements. Agreement has also been reached on the process for identifying Northern Ireland traders for VAT purposes and enabling them to reclaim VAT through existing IT databases when trading in goods with the EU; for transit procedures to be available in Northern Ireland and operate consistently with the Common Transit Convention; and on the elements of the Electricity Directive that will not apply in Northern Ireland.

The UK plans to set out guidance to businesses on these issues where relevant shortly.

The UK also noted the importance of agreed arrangements respecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK’s customs territory and internal market, and supporting the smooth flow of trade. In this context, there remain significant outstanding issues to be resolved on the practical solutions necessary for trusted traders such as supermarkets, and on how to classify which goods are at a genuine and substantial risk of entering the EU market.

The parties agreed to an intensified process of engagement to resolve all outstanding issues.

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BREXIT - LETTERS TO BUSINESSES ABOUT NEW TRADE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE EU FROM 1/1/21

 

Letters to businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021

• English
• Cymraeg

HMRC letters to VAT-registered businesses in Great Britain trading with the EU and/or the rest of the world, highlighting actions they need to take to continue trading with the EU from 1 January 2021.

Published 14 September 2020
Last updated 5 November 2020 — see all updates

From:

HM Revenue & Customs

Applies to:

Wales, England, and Scotland

Documents

Letter to VAT-registered businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021 (5 November 2020)

PDF, 786KB, 2 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

Letter to VAT-registered businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021 (October 2020)

PDF, 819KB, 3 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

Letter to VAT-registered businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021 (September 2020)

PDF, 1.43MB, 3 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

Details

These letters have been sent to VAT-registered businesses in Great Britain trading with the EU, or the EU and the rest of the world.

They explain what businesses need to do to prepare for new processes for moving goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021, including:

• making sure they have a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number
• deciding how they will make customs declarations
• checking if their imported goods are eligible for staged import controls

These actions will not change regardless of the outcome of the government’s negotiations with the EU. Businesses can keep up to date with these changes by registering for HMRC’s email updates.

Published 14 September 2020
Last updated 5 November 2020 

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BREXIT - GOVERNMENT STEPS UP PLANS TO KEEP TRADE FLOWING AT THE END OF THE TRANSITION PERIOD

 

Government steps up plans to keep trade flowing at the end of the transition period

Government launches plans to keep trade flowing after 1 January 2021.

Published 22 October 2020

From:

Department for Transport and The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP

• targeted communications campaign launched to help hauliers prepare
• Operation Brock to be made enforceable in Kent, helping to mitigate and reduce any disruption
• ECMT permit application window announced

The government has today (22 October 2020) announced a series of measures to help keep trade flowing by minimising the risk of disruption at the end of the transition period.

Following consultation with industry, legislation to enable the enforcement of Operation Brock – the traffic management strategy in Kent – has been brought forward to ensure the plans can be implemented if needed. The move will help to reduce the risk of disruption as hauliers travel through Kent to reach the Short Straits – one of Britain’s busiest trade routes.

The new rules confirm that it will be mandatory for all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the Short Straits channel crossings to obtain a digital Kent Access Permit (KAP), following completion of the government’s new easy-to-use ‘Check an HGV’ service. This will ensure that HGV drivers who come prepared can move smoothly through Kent to the UK’s trading ports.

The news comes as the government this week launches an information campaign preparing hauliers for the new customs procedures. The targeted campaign will use radio, press and digital advertising to make sure that hauliers are aware of the upcoming changes and have the correct documentation for each stage of their journey, reducing the risk of delays at the border.

Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said:

New opportunities mean new ways of doing things, and it’s sensible that we plan for all scenarios including the risk of short-term disruption to our busiest trade routes.

By putting in place these plans we’re ensuring Kent keeps moving, our fantastic haulage industry is supported, and trade continues to flow as we embark on our future as a fully independent state.

Alongside this, a haulier handbook will be made available in 14 different languages, acting as a one-stop-shop for UK and EU hauliers, providing them with key information and advice. In November, hauliers will also be able to visit one of 45 ‘Information and Advice Sites’ at key strategic locations across the UK, offering in-person assistance on how to apply for the documents needed to keep them travelling to, from and through the EU.

As part of the campaign, hauliers are also being encouraged to apply for an European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) permit as a precautionary measure. Following the end of the transition period, ECMT permits may be needed to support hauliers accessing the EU.

The government has also announced today that it will prioritise the journeys of a small number of HGVs with exports that are very time-sensitive – such as fresh and live seafood, and day-old chicks.

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BREXIT - STATEMENT ON FURTHER UK-EU NEGOTIATIONS 21/10

 

Statement on further UK-EU negotiations: 21 October 2020

A statement on further UK-EU negotiations.

Published 21 October 2020

From:

Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street

We have studied carefully the statement by Michel Barnier to the European Parliament this morning. As the EU’s Chief Negotiator his words are authoritative.

The Prime Minister and Michael Gove have both made clear in recent days that a fundamental change in approach was needed from the EU from that shown in recent weeks.

They made clear that the EU had to be serious about talking intensively, on all issues, and bringing the negotiation to a conclusion. They were also clear that the EU had to accept once again that it was dealing with an independent and sovereign country and that any agreement would need to be consistent with that status.

We welcome the fact that Mr Barnier acknowledged both points this morning, and additionally that movement would be needed from both sides in the talks if agreement was to be reached. As he made clear, “any future agreement will be made in respect of the decision-making autonomy of the European Union and with respect for British sovereignty.

Lord Frost discussed the implications of this statement and the state of play with Mr Barnier earlier today. On the basis of that conversation we are ready to welcome the EU team to London to resume negotiations later this week. We have jointly agreed a set of principles for handling this intensified phase of talks.

As to the substance, we note that Mr Barnier set out the principles that the EU has brought to this negotiation, and that he also acknowledged the UK’s established red lines. It is clear that significant gaps remain between our positions in the most difficult areas, but we are ready, with the EU, to see if it is possible to bridge them in intensive talks. For our part, we remain clear that the best and most established means of regulating the relationship between two sovereign and autonomous parties is one based on a free trade agreement.

As both sides have made clear, it takes two to reach an agreement. It is entirely possible that negotiations will not succeed. If so, the UK will end the transition period on Australia terms and will prosper in doing so.

It is essential now that UK businesses, hauliers, and travellers prepare actively for the end of the transition period, since change is coming, whether an agreement is reached or not.

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BREXIT - TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR BUSINESSES TO PREPARE

 

Time is running out for businesses to prepare

The government urges business leaders to step up preparations for Australia-style arrangements from 1 January and launches 'time is running out' campaign.

Published 18 October 2020

From:

Cabinet Office, Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, and HM Revenue & Customs

• Government to urge business leaders to step up preparations for an Australia-style exit
• ‘Time is running out’ campaign will encourage businesses to ‘act now’ for guaranteed changes at the end of the year
• EU Exit Operations (XO) Cabinet committee moves to daily rhythm

Business leaders will be urged not to get caught out by new rules at the end of the transition period by the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (CDL) Michael Gove this week.

In a call with business leaders the Prime Minister and Michael Gove will discuss preparations and ask businesses to step up their efforts to get ready for the changes and opportunities in just over 8 weeks.

The call to action comes as the government launches the latest phase of its public information campaign emphasising the increased urgency to prepare for the end of the UK transition period with the strapline “Time is running out”.

HMRC are today also writing to 200,000 traders who trade with the EU to set out the new customs and tax rules coming into place and how to deal with them.

This follows a clear direction from the Prime Minister that the whole UK must prepare to leave the EU on Australia-style terms based on simple principles of global free trade, after the European Council conclusions last week left us without a basis to continue trade negotiations if there was no fundamental change in the EU’s negotiating position.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove said:

At the end of this year we are leaving the EU Single Market and Customs Union and this means there are both new challenges and new opportunities for businesses. Make no mistake, there are changes coming in just 75 days and time is running out for businesses to act.

It is on all of us to put in the work now so that we can embrace the new opportunities available to an independent trading nation with control of its own borders, territorial waters and laws.

The government is also redoubling its own efforts to get ready for the end of the year with Michael Gove ordering the XO Cabinet Committee to convene five times per week as of today. He will chair the 150th meeting of the operations committee in COBR next week.

The government has already published the Border Operating Model which gives traders the clarity they need to prepare for new rules, announced £705m of investment in jobs, infrastructure and technology at the border, and provided £84m in grants to grow the customs intermediary sector.

Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare the UK has also taken the decision to introduce new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021. However, the focus of the XO committee is now firmly on making sure businesses are ready for the changes and opportunities ahead.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said:

With just 75 days until the end of the transition period, businesses must act now to ensure they are ready for the UK’s new start as an independent trading nation once more. There will be no extension to the transition period, so there is no time to waste.

There will be a guaranteed set of changes for which businesses need to prepare for, so I urge all businesses across the country to check gov.uk/transition to see what action they need to take.

Businesses have a crucial role to play in ensuring a smooth transition, and the Government will be there to support them through this change every step of the way.

The UK is leaving the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union at the end of the year and there are some definite actions businesses need to take now. These actions are required whether we end up with Australian or Canadian-style trading arrangements.

• If you sell goods to the EU you must prepare for new customs procedures. Visit GOV.UK to check duties and customs procedures for exporting your goods worldwide from 1 January 2021.
• If you travel to the EU for work purposes you will need to check if you need a visa or work permit and apply if necessary.
• If you employ overseas nationals you will need to prepare your business for the implementation of the new immigration system. From 1 January 2021, if you want to hire anyone from outside the UK, including from the EU, you must be a Home Office licenced sponsor.
• If you are a UK business or organisation that receives personal data from contacts in the EEA, you may need to take extra steps to ensure that the data can continue to flow legally at the end of the transition period.
• If you provide services in the EU, you must ensure that your qualifications are now recognised by EU regulations to be able to practice or service clients in the EU.

Businesses can get a personalised summary of the actions they need to take by using the simple tool on gov.uk/transition.

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BREXIT - LETTERS TO BUSINESSES ABOUT TRADE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE EU FROM 1/1/21

 

Letters to businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021

• English
• Cymraeg

HMRC letters to VAT-registered businesses in Great Britain trading with the EU and/or the rest of the world, highlighting actions they need to take to continue trading with the EU from 1 January 2021.

Published 14 September 2020
Last updated 18 October 2020 — see all updates

From:

HM Revenue & Customs

Applies to:

Wales, England, and Scotland

Documents

Letter to VAT-registered businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021 (October 2020)

PDF, 819KB, 3 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

Letter to VAT-registered businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021 (September 2020)

PDF, 1.43MB, 3 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

Details

These letters have been sent to VAT-registered businesses in Great Britain trading with the EU, or the EU and the rest of the world.

They explain what businesses need to do to prepare for new processes for moving goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021, including:

• making sure they have a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number
• deciding how they will make customs declarations
• checking if their imported goods are eligible for staged import controls

These actions will not change regardless of the outcome of the government’s negotiations with the EU. Businesses can keep up to date with these changes by registering for HMRC’s email updates.

Published 14 September 2020
Last updated 18 October 2020 + show all updates

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