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Insights

Brexit round-up – week commencing 17 Apr 2017

Published:

Matrix’s Legal Support Service provides a weekly round-up of Brexit-related links and news.

Brexit and the UK constitution

  1. For The Conversation blog, Kieran Hazzard argues that Brexit shows an attempt to return to the ideology of the British empire.

The UK’s post-Brexit deal with the EU

  1. Theresa May has announced a snap General Election to be held on 8 June 2017. Donald Tusk’s spokesman has stated that the EU’s Brexit plans remain unchanged by this.
  2. Tim Bale, on The Conversation blog, argues that the election will make Brexit easier for Theresa May, increasing the number of Conservative MPs who owe their election to her, reducing reliance on ‘ultra-eurosceptics’. The Prime Minister is reportedly planning to enshrine three Brexit pledges – ending free movement, leaving the Single Market, and withdrawing from the CJEU – into the Conservative manifesto.
  3. Meanwhile Jeremy Corbyn has ruled out offering a second referendum on an eventual Brexit deal as part of Labour’s manifesto. Gina Miller, whose legal challenge forced the Government to seek parliamentary approval for Article 50, intends to launch a tactical voting initiative against hard Brexit.
  4. For the EU law analysis blog, Professor Steve Peers has written an article as a guide to the Brexit negotiations.
  5. Leaked documents reveal that the EU is toughening its Brexit negotiating stance following member state consultation, as it is downplaying hopes of a trade agreement before exit, demanding UK liabilities are paid in euros, and aiming to keep the UK subject to CJEU rulings. However Antonio Tajani, European Parliament president, has stated that the UK would be welcomed back to the EU if voters overturn Brexit.
  6. The European Commission has stated that two EU agencies, the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority, which employ over 1000 people will definitely move to the continent. The Government said this decision would be a matter for the Brexit negotiations.
  7. The Argentinian foreign minister has stated in Brussels that Brexit might result in the UK losing EU support for its control of the Falkland Islands.

Impact of Brexit on the economy

  1. Deloitte has produced a report assessing the impact of the EU referendum on mergers and acquisitions activity, finding deals are still taking place.
  2. The IMF has revised up its UK growth forecast for the second time in three months after admitting that the performance of the economy since theBrexit vote last year had been stronger than expected. However, it has also warned that Brexit’s unpredictable outcome poses a risk to global financial stability.
  3. The Lords’ EU Justice Sub-Committee has launched a new inquiry into the impact of Brexit upon consumer protection rights.

Brexit as it affects Practice Areas:

            Competition, commercial and Regulatory

The Brexit Competition Law Working Group has published a report on the implications of Brexit for UK competition law and policy.

Norton Rose Fulbright have published a blog setting out four reasons for confidence in London remaining a popular seat of arbitration despite Brexit.

            Employment

David Whincup, of Squire Patton Boggs, has written an article discussing proposals in the Great Repeal Bill white paper under which the CJEU will have influence on UK employment law post-Brexit.

            Immigration

The president of the European parliament, Antonio Tajani, has urged Theresa May to agree a swift deal on EU citizens.

            Education

The Independent has reported that a sharp increase in interest rates sparked by Brexit means that students and graduates will have to repay hundreds of pounds extra in student loan fees.

            Environment

Denmark has built a legal case claiming that Danish fishermen’s right to fish in seas around the UK dates back to the 1400s, and plans to contest UK efforts to ‘take back control’ of fisheries post-Brexit.

In a joint letter to the Prime Minister, organisations including WWF, Greenpeace, RSPB, CAFOD and Friends of the Earth, have warned the UK Government against watering down climate change and environmental commitments during Brexit negotiations.

Events

  1. The British Institute of International and Comparative Law is hosting a roundtable on Brexit, Devolution and Human Rights on 27 Apr 2017 from 14.30 until 19.30.
  2. This Institute is also hosting an event discussing The implications of Brexit for competition law and policy on 2 May 2017 from 13.00 until 18.00.