Working out a highly complex deal

It took 16 months to negotiate between the London government and Brussels, and is still a work-in-progress. As far as both sides are concerned, however, the 585-page document is considered to be a “stable text”. Here are the key points:

The Irish border

The border between the British-governed province of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is the only land frontier affected by Brexit. The EU27 and the European Commission have been determined that it remain open, free of customs and security checks. To do that, UK Prime Minister Theresa May provided a guarantee — the “backstop” — to keep the province, along with England, Scotland and Wales, aligned with the EU. The agreement says that both London and Brussels will “use their best endeavours” to have a future trade agreement completed in six months, but critics say that means Northern Ireland will be treated differently and they want to ensure the UK can decide when to walk away from the backstop.

European rules

The London government will maintain and generally keep aligned with the EU’s social and environmental rules. By agreeing to these “non-regression” clauses, UK will abide by and acknowledge the rulings of the European Court of Justice and previous — and new — programmes and legislations that the EU enacts. For Brexiteers, they say this means UK is still under the European Central Bank, which goes against the key principle of Britain “taking back control” after March 29.

Trade deals

Both sides will build upon “the single customs territory provided for in the agreement”. The status quo on free movement of goods, services and people that exists now, and that of any future trade deal, will need to maintain this. For Brexiteers, this means London is too closely aligned with Brussels.

The future

Both sides agreed that there will be a five-person panel to adjudicate and arbitrate on any question arising from the agreement. Brexiteers feel this clause is a betrayal, preventing UK from controlling its own affairs.