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.”

Reports, special reports and government responses

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Third Report: Preparing for the end of the Transition Period
Inquiry Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU
Committees Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
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Response to this report
Second Special Report - Preparing for the end of the Transition Period, and The UK-EU future relationship: the Trade and Cooperation Agreement: Government Response to the Committee’s Third and Fourth Reports
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HC 1159
Special Report
Second Special Report - Preparing for the end of the Transition Period, and The UK-EU future relationship: the Trade and Cooperation Agreement: Government Response to the Committee’s Third and Fourth Reports
Inquiry Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU
Committees Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
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HC 1159
Special Report
First Special Report - Implementing the Withdrawal Agreement: citizens’ rights: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report of Session 2019–21
Inquiry Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU
Committees Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
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HC 1095
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Oral evidence transcripts

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13 January 2021
Inquiry Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU
Witnesses Stephen Phipson CBE (CEO at Make UK), Andrew Opie (Director at The British Retail Consortium), and Ian Wright (CEO at Food and Drink Federation)
Committees Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
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Oral Evidence
6 January 2021
Inquiry Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU
Witnesses 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), and Sam Lowe (Senior Research Fellow at Centre for European Reform)
Committees Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
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Oral Evidence
17 December 2020
Inquiry Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU
Witnesses 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), and Emma Churchill (Director General at Border and Protocol Delivery Group)
Committees Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
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Written evidence

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FRE0152 - Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU
Witnesses British Egg Industry Council, and British Poultry Council
Committees Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
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Written Evidence
FRE0151 - Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU
Witnesses Urology Trade Association
Committees Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
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Written Evidence
FRE0150 - Progress of the negotiations on the UK’s Future Relationship with the EU
Witnesses Dr Marek Laskiewicz (Reader at Polish University Abroad [PUNO])
Committees Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
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Written Evidence

Other publications

Correspondence
Committees exchange letters with government departments and others, often to request information or follow up on recommendations.
2 published