Committees

Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU

Inquiry

The Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union has launched an overarching inquiry looking at all aspects of the negotiations between the UK and EU, which began in Brussels the week of 2 March 2020. 

The Committee welcomes written evidence submissions to its inquiry, particularly those that address the following questions:

  • What are the priorities for the UK, and for the EU, in the negotiations on the future relationship? How should the interests of different sectors of the economy and parts of the UK be balanced?
  • How will the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement interact with the negotiations on the future relationship? What is the role of the Joint Committee, and what other mechanisms will be available for the UK and EU to resolve disagreements?
  • How prepared is the UK Government to negotiate and implement the future relationship with the EU, including in the event a free trade agreement is not secured? Which aspects of the future relationship could be negotiated after the transition period?
  • How effectively is the Government consulting with businesses, stakeholders, and the devolved institutions, to inform the UK negotiating position?

Launching the inquiry, Committee Chair Hilary Benn MP said:

“As negotiations between the UK and the EU begin, the questions that will define the next nine months are emerging. What are each side’s priorities? How can the competing interests of different stakeholders be balanced? How prepared are the UK and the EU for the range of possible outcomes?  

“These are complex questions, and if a future relationship that works for both parties is to be agreed, there is no time to waste.  

“Similarly, clarity is required regarding the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, particularly the implications of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Our inquiry will seek to hear from a range of voices, including from Northern Ireland.   

“The Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union may have a new name, but our task – scrutinising the progress of these critical negotiations – remains unchanged. I look forward to beginning our inquiry in our session with Michael Gove on Wednesday.”

Upcoming events

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No upcoming events scheduled

Past events

Wednesday 13 January 2021
9:45am Private
10:15am Public
Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU - Oral evidence 13 January 2021
10:15am
  • Stephen Phipson CBE (CEO at Make UK)
  • Andrew Opie (Director at The British Retail Consortium)
  • Ian Wright (CEO at Food and Drink Federation)
The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Wednesday 6 January 2021
9:00am Private
9:30am Public
Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU - Oral evidence 6 January 2021
9:30am
  • Professor Catherine Barnard (Professor of European Union and Labour Law at University of Cambridge)
  • Raoul Ruparel (former Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on Europe at Deloitte UK)
  • Sam Lowe (Senior Research Fellow at Centre for European Reform)
Room 8, Palace of Westminster
Tuesday 29 December 2020
4:00pm Private
Private meeting 29 December 2020
Virtual
Thursday 17 December 2020
2:00pm Public
Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU - Oral evidence 17 December 2020
2:00pm
  • Rt Hon Michael Gove MP (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at Cabinet Office)
  • Brendan Threlfall (Director, Transition Task Force Northern Ireland at Cabinet Office)
  • Emma Churchill (Director General at Border and Protocol Delivery Group)
The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House

Contact us

  • Phone: 020 7219 0724 (media enquiries)