Government publishes Brexit white paper

The government published the white paper detailing its plans for leaving the EU on Thursday and said there would be separate legislation on immigration and customs.

The white paper confirmed that “the government will then put the final deal that is agreed between the UK and the EU to a vote in both Houses of Parliament, but shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said that it was unsatisfactory. He said Labour wanted a meaningful vote and for MPs to have a vote on the eventual deal before MEPs.

Addressing the House of Commons, Brexit Secretary David Davis stressed the point that Britain wanted the EU to succeed, seemingly in response to President Trump's remarks about the survival of the bloc and that the government could not make new trade deals while a member of the EU but it could prepare the ground work for them.

He also confirmed that the government will also publish its plans for the great repeal bill in a white paper.

The Brexit white paper laid out the government’s negotiating plan which is based on Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech in January when she tabled a 12 point plan.

The customs union

The white paper reiterated what May previously said that Britain would no longer be a member of the European single market and would seek a new customs deal with the EU.

“There are a number of options for any new customs arrangement, including a completely new agreement, or for the UK to remain a signatory to some of the elements of the existing arrangements. The precise form of this new agreement will be the subject of negotiation.

“It is in the interests of both the UK and the EU to have a mutually beneficial customs arrangement to ensure goods trade between the UK and EU can continue as much as possible as it does now. This will form a key part of our ambition for a new strategic partnership with the EU.”

EU nationals living in Britain and immigration

The White paper echoes what May has previously said that it was an early priority but Britain would not guarantee to the rights of EU nationals in Britain until the EU guaranteed the rights of Britons in member countries.

“Securing the status of, and providing certainty to, EU nationals already in the UK and to UK nationals in the EU is one of this government’s early priorities for the forthcoming negotiations. To this end, we have engaged a range of stakeholders, including expatriate groups, to ensure we understand the priorities of UK nationals living in EU countries … The Government would have liked to resolve this issue ahead of the formal negotiations. And although many EU Member States favour such an agreement, this has not proven possible. The UK remains ready to give people the certainty they want and reach a reciprocal deal with our European partners at the earliest opportunity. It is the right and fair thing to do.”

The white paper also said that MPs would be able to vote on new legislation on immigration and that EU students would be protected.

“Implementing any new immigration arrangements for EU nationals and the support they receive will be complex and Parliament will have an important role in considering these matters further. There may be a phased process of implementation to prepare for the new arrangements. This would give businesses and individuals enough time to plan and prepare for those new arrangements.”

The white paper said that EU students starting courses in 2016-17 and 2017-18 will be eligible for student loans and home fee status for the duration of their course, while it also confirmed that confirmed that research councils will continue to fund postgraduate students from the EU on courses starting in 2017-18.

Transitional deal

The white paper said a phased approach of the implementation of the new deal would be in the interest of both Britain and the EU and would give businesses enough time to prepare.

“The interim arrangements we rely upon are likely to be a matter of negotiation. The UK will not, however, seek some form of unlimited transitional status. That would not be good for the UK and nor would it be good for the EU.”

Ireland

The white paper said that the government would “aim” to keep an open border with Ireland.

“We recognise that for the people of Northern Ireland and Ireland, the ability to move freely across the border is an essential part of daily life. When the UK leaves the EU we aim to have as seamless and frictionless a border as possible between Northern Ireland and Ireland, so that we can continue to see the trade and everyday movements we have seen up to now.”

“No deal better than a bad deal”

Echoing Theresa May in her speech, the white paper said that no deal was better than a bad deal, but did not say what the alternative was.

“The government is clear that no deal for the UK is better than a bad deal for the UK. In any eventuality we will ensure that our economic and other functions can continue, including by passing legislation as necessary to mitigate the effects of failing to reach a deal.”