Weekly Update on Brexit Negotiations: week commencing 23 November 2020
Time is running out…
With 38 days to go until the end of the transition period there is no agreement of a trade deal yet. However, talks will reconvene remotely this week after one of the EU negotiators tested positive for Covid-19.
Monday 23 November
The National Audit Office warns UK ports have “limited time” remaining to test new customs systems. The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee will question senior officials from the Cabinet Office, HMRC and DEFRA on the current state of readiness at the UK Border.
MPs will vote on a series of regulations setting out post-transition rules for Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent and Agricultural products.
In the House of Lords
- the EU Goods Sub-Committee will hear preparations for traffic management in and out of ports, particularly in Kent. Peers will first hear from Highways England, Port of Dover, Kent Police and the Road Haulage Association, before then putting questions to Transport Minister Rachel Maclean MP.
- the second day of Report Stage consideration of the UK Internal Market Bill. Peers defeated the Government by adding two new amendments to the Bill, one that places the process on a statutory footing, the other prevents ministers from re writing elements of the Bill after it becomes law.
Tuesday 24 November
The Public Bill Committee will scrutinise the Government’s Environment Bill.
Wednesday 25 November
In the House of Commons, MPs will debate on the new UK-Japan trade deal.
The House of Lords will debate the final day of Report Stage consideration of the UK Internal Market Bill. The Bill will have its Third reading next Wednesday before returning to the Commons for consideration of Lords amendments.
Thursday 26 November
The Environment Bill’s Public Bill Committee gather for another meeting.
Looking ahead
- 23-26 November: Penultimate European Parliament plenary session
- 10-11 December: Final European meeting of the year
- 14-17 December: Final European plenary session of the year
- 31 December: Date in law for the end of the transition period
