KEY POINTS IN BRITAIN’S PLAN

THE 98-page document reaffirms Britain’s plan to remain tied indefinitely to the EU’s rules and standards for goods within the single market.

The proposals reiterate last week’s decision to opt for a soft Brexit through the creation of a ‘common rulebook’ which will keep the UK in line with the EU’s single market standards on goods.

At its heart is the establishment of a free-trade area for goods which would avoid friction at any EU-UK border.

This will seriously limit the UK’s ability to trade with other countries that have different or substandard rules and regulation – particularly in the lucrative agricultural industry. But it is vital in avoiding a hard Border in Ireland.

On the contentious matter of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the white paper is a bit unclear. It says that when there are disputes, a new “joint committee” of UK and EU representatives will preside. If it fails to agree, it will be able to refer the matter to the ECJ. It may mean the UK accepting that the ECJ is the ultimate arbiter for disputes.

The document restates the British ambition to leave the EU’s customs union. However, the plan includes the creation of a similar customs mechanism designed to avoid customs checks. The UK government will collect tariffs on behalf of the EU. But it says it will also set its own tariffs if and when it signs trade deals with other countries.

In keeping with one of the main reasons behind the decision to leave the EU, the white paper states that freedom of movement of people will end when the UK leaves the EU. However, it says it will establish a system for citizens to travel visa-free for holidays, business and study.

On services – including financial services – the plan is seeking ‘regulatory flexibility’ and would not seek to continue the same level of access to the EU’s markets.