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.”