The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Document: What You Need to Know
Brexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, has been a topic of great debate and discussion since the referendum in 2016. After years of negotiation and political turmoil, a withdrawal agreement was finally reached in 2019, which sets out the terms of the UK`s exit from the EU.
The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Document is a detailed legal text consisting of 599 pages. It covers a wide range of issues, such as citizens` rights, the financial settlement, and the future relationship between the UK and the EU. Let`s take a closer look at some of the key points of the agreement.
Citizens` Rights
One of the most important aspects of the agreement is the protection of citizens` rights. The document guarantees the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU, including the right to work, study, and access healthcare. It also ensures that family members can join their loved ones in other countries.
Financial Settlement
Another major issue addressed in the agreement is the financial settlement. The UK agreed to pay a sum of money, known as the “divorce bill,” to the EU to settle its outstanding financial obligations. The exact amount of the bill is still a matter of debate, but it is estimated to be around £33 billion.
Future Relationship
The agreement also sets out the framework for the future relationship between the UK and the EU. It establishes a transition period, during which the UK will continue to follow EU rules and regulations until the end of 2020. However, it is worth noting that the future relationship is still subject to negotiations and could change depending on the outcome of those talks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Document is a complex legal text that covers a wide range of issues related to the UK`s exit from the EU. It guarantees the rights of citizens, settles financial obligations, and establishes a framework for the future relationship between the UK and the EU. While the agreement has been signed, there is still much work to be done in terms of negotiating the details of the future relationship. However, the document provides a starting point for these discussions and marks an important step towards the UK`s departure from the EU.