Overview

This Bill implements the agreement between the UK and the European Union (EU) concerning the UK's withdrawal from the EU. It covers various aspects of the withdrawal, including citizens' rights, separation issues, and the Northern Ireland Protocol, and aims to ensure a smooth transition period.

Description

The Bill covers several key areas: Implementation Period: It extends and modifies existing UK law to align with the agreement during the transition period. Citizens' Rights: It implements the agreement's provisions on the rights of UK and EU citizens, including residence, frontier workers, and professional qualifications. An Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) is created to oversee the implementation of citizens’ rights. Other Separation Issues: The Bill addresses various other aspects of separation from the EU, including financial provisions. Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol: The Bill provides for implementing the specific arrangements in the Protocol, designed to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Bill also includes provisions for parliamentary oversight of future negotiations.

Government Spending

The Bill requires the UK government to pay sums to the EU to meet obligations under the withdrawal agreement, initially covering all expenditure but after March 31st 2021, this is limited to the EU's traditional own resources. Money received by the UK from the EU will be paid into the Consolidated Fund or the National Loans Fund.

Groups Affected

• EU and UK citizens: Their rights related to residence, work, and social security are directly affected by the bill's implementation of citizens' rights agreements.
• Frontier workers: The Bill clarifies their rights to cross borders for work.
• Professionals: The recognition of their qualifications is addressed in the Bill.
• UK Government departments: The Bill requires them to implement the agreement and manage financial implications.
• Devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland): They have specific roles in implementing parts of the agreement and are given some regulatory powers.
• Businesses: The implementation of separation provisions will impact business operations, particularly those involved in trade with the EU.

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