...You ain’t seen nothing yet

THE process for Britain’s scheduled departure from the EU on March 30, 2019, will now move to the potentially tougher Phase Two, the details of our trading relationship with the UK.

Tomorrow, Theresa May is expected to deliver a statement to the House of Commons; on Wednesday, the European Parliament will vote on the divorce bill, citizens’ rights and the border issues that were part of Phase One; and a meeting between the leaders of the remaining 27 EU states, at a summit on December 14 and 15, is expected to rubber stamp Phase One, allowing a move towards trade talks.

In late December, the UK government’s EU (Withdrawal) Bill is due to complete the crucial committee stage in the House of Commons. However, until the final deal is agreed and Brexit begins, in March 2019, Britain will have to pay into the EU budget, respect EU laws and accept decisions made by EU judges.

Debates in both Houses of Parliament are expected to take up months of next year. Negotiations will continue in spring, and by March the European Council summit in Brussels will see an assessment of the kind of trade deal that can be expected.

And if you thought Phase One was hard fought, you ain’t seen nothing yet.