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15 October 2020 / Paul Henty
Issue: 7906 / Categories: Features , Brexit , Constitutional law
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Brexit: towards the cliff edge?

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Paul Henty provides an update on Brexit negotiations with the possibility of a ‘no-deal’ scenario looming large

In brief

  • The UK’s current status.
  • The UK Internal Market Bill.
  • Legal action by the EU.
  • What does this mean for citizens and businesses?

The aim of this piece is quite ambitious: to give an up to date assessment of the state of play in Brexit negotiations, assess the prospects of a trade deal being reached between the UK and EU before the end of the Transition Period and assess the potential impact on businesses if such a deal is not reached.

The UK’s current status

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020. While that date had undeniable significance, many of the effects of Brexit were cushioned by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement (WA), which came into force on 31 December 2019.

Articles 126–132 of the WA provided for a transition period (https://bit.ly/36Jlvzd), which will continue in force until 31 December 2020 (Transition Period). While

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