Weekly Update on UK-EU Relationship: week commencing 1 March 2021
Last week, the UK and EU formally to extend provisional application of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) until 30 April 2021. Michael Gove made a written statement to the Commons noting that the provisional application is not the preferred outcome and prolongs the element of uncertainty.
The Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee had their first meeting since the end of the transition period. Michael Gove’s written statement to the House of Commons indicated progress was made on citizens’ rights and practical solutions to implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol were being considered.
The Joint Committee agreed to engage with a host of stakeholders in Northern Ireland. The UK also committed to providing a new operational plan in relation to supermarkets and their suppliers, as well as further investment in digital support for traders.
Monday 1 March
The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Sub-Committee on Policing will hold a virtual meeting on Brexit and policing with Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr, Local Policing, and Assistant Chief Constable Patrick Campbell, Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism and Intelligence, Police Scotland.
Tuesday 2 March
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will hold the first evidence session into Seafood and Meat Exports to the EU with these industry leaders. Minister for Scotland and chair of the new Scottish Seafood Exports Taskforce David Duguid has reached out to seafood industry leaders to resolve problems with exports and discuss financial support available for those who have suffered losses.
The Defence Committee will consider how NATO, US and UK defence relations could be strengthened.
Wednesday 3 March
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will continue its inquiry into cross border co-operation on policing, security and criminal justice post Brexit as they question Minister Robin Walker MP and Mark Larmour, Political Director at the Northern Ireland Office.
Lord German will ask how funding provided by the EU in Wales will be administered.
Thursday 4 March
Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon will question Government discussions with UK fishing industry representatives during UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement negotiations.
The Welsh Affairs Committee will hold a one-off session with the First Minister of Wales, covering topics such as intergovernmental relations, trading with the EU, Welsh ports and freeports.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has launched a consultation on how to support seamless trade across the UK from regulators and businesses in the service sector.
Key Dates for 2021
- 31 March: UK & EU to agree Memorandum of Understanding on framework for regulatory cooperation on financial services.
- 1 April: End of grace period for UK supermarkets and trusted suppliers in relation to food safety paperwork when moving agri-food goods between the Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- 30 June: End of temporary bridging period for the free flow of data from the UK to the EU.
- 1 July: End of 6-month grace period for Great Britain & Northern Ireland trade on chilled meat products.
- 31 December: End of 12-month adaptation period for Great Britain businesses to implement new EU regulation in relation to the flow of medicines to Northern Ireland.
