Overview

This bill aims to ensure the UK continues its participation in the Open Skies Agreement with the USA after leaving the European Union. It directs UK ministers to prioritize maintaining membership of this agreement during post-Brexit negotiations.

Description

The Open Skies Agreement (Membership) Bill mandates that UK ministers, when negotiating and finalizing post-Brexit agreements (in accordance with Article 50(2) of the Treaty on European Union), must consider the importance of continued UK participation in the Open Skies Agreement with the USA. The agreement allows for pre-notified civilian flights over each other's territory for observation purposes. This bill seeks to maintain that right for the UK on the same terms as when it was a member of the European Union.

Key Provisions:

• Prioritizes continued participation in the Open Skies Agreement during Brexit negotiations.
• Specifies that UK participation should be on the same basis as when it was an EU member.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any government spending. The potential costs associated with negotiating and maintaining membership of the Open Skies Agreement would likely fall under existing departmental budgets. No specific figures are provided within the bill.

Groups Affected

• UK Government: Responsible for negotiating and ensuring continued participation in the agreement.
• UK Defence and Intelligence Agencies: Will be affected by the continued access (or lack thereof) to intelligence gathering permitted under the Open Skies Agreement.
• US Government: A key party to the agreement, their cooperation will be necessary to ensure its continuation for the UK.
• Civil Aviation Authorities: The agreement's implications for civilian flight operations will impact their responsibilities.

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