Weekly Update on Brexit Negotiations week commencing 30 November 2020
Hope in sight?
With 31 days to go until the end of the transition period and no agreement of a trade deal in sight, businesses are told to get ready.
Significantly, Michael Barnier was in London for talks with UK negotiator Lord Frost. Both parties enter the final stretch of talks with hopes of bridging the gaps on the remaining issues of the level-playing field, fisheries and governance.
Monday 30 November
The Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen MP will give evidence to the EU Services Sub-Committee on financial services after Brexit.
The House of Commons will debate a number of statutory instruments related to animal welfare, agricultural products and the status of Northern Ireland goods.
Tuesday 1 December
The Public Bill Committee will continue scrutinising the Environment Bill.
The Lords EU Security and Justice Sub-Committee will question Defence Minister Baroness Goldie DL on UK Government plans for foreign policy and defence cooperation with the EU.
The Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution Chloe Smith MP, will give evidence to the Lords Common Frameworks Scrutiny Committee on post-Brexit common frameworks, including new UK-wide approaches to manage policy divergence in devolved areas.
In the Scottish Parliament, the Health and Sport Committee will take evidence from food and drink representatives, on a common framework for nutrition labelling composition and standards.
Wednesday 2 December
- The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will hear evidence from HMRC officials on Government preparations related to the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol
- The Home Affairs Committee will conclude its inquiry into Channel crossings, migration and asylum routes, with Home Office Minister Chris Philp MP to give evidence
- The Committee on the Future Relationship will hear from academics concerning the shape of future parliamentary scrutiny of UK-EU relations come January 2021
MPs are set to vote to approve statutory instruments related to plant health and agricultural subsidies to farmers in England.
Over in the Lords, Peers will question Ministers on the future scrutiny of European security cooperation from January 2021. This will be followed by the Third reading of the UK Internal Market Bill, which will return to the Commons for consideration of Lords amendments.
Looking ahead
- 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
