The Brexit Update

3rd June 2020

Britons drive up number of foreigners obtaining German citizenship

Britons drove up an increase in the number of foreigners obtaining German citizenship last year, with more naturalised than in any year since Britain's 2016 referendum vote to leave the…

Brexit, Germany, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, Germany, UK

17th May 2020

UK’s Gove says trade deal with EU is there to be done

British Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said on Sunday that there was a trade deal to be done with the European Union, but it would require compromise from the bloc.…

Brexit, CD eNews, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

11th May 2020

Britain, EU start penultimate round of Brexit talks before key deadline

Britain and the European Union start their penultimate scheduled round of trade talks on Monday with little progress on major sticking points before a June deadline to agree on any…

Brexit, CD eNews, European Union, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, European Union, UK

9th May 2020

Germany sees increased risk of hard Brexit

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a newspaper interview on Saturday there was a growing risk of a hard Brexit in the midst of the coronavirus crisis as negotiations…

Brexit, European Union, Germany, News, The Brexit Update, UKBreixt, European Union, Germany, Heiko Maas, UK

6th May 2020

Ireland warns Brexit talks hurtling towards new crisis point

Brexit talks are hurtling to another crisis point unless progress is made in the next two rounds of talks, the Irish foreign minister, Simon Coveney, has said. His warning comes…

Brexit, CD eNews, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, Ireland, UK

29th April 2020

EU sees new Brexit talks ‘at an impasse’

Negotiations between the European Union (EU) and ex-member Britain over new trade arrangements from next year are at an impasse due to disagreements and the coronavirus crisis, according to diplomats…

Brexit, European Union, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, European Union, UK

25th April 2020

Germany warns coronavirus crisis won’t make Brexit easier

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the coronavirus crisis would not make Brexit negotiations easier, adding that Berlin would use its EU presidency in the second half of the year…

Brexit, Germany, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, Germany, UK

22nd April 2020

British PM Johnson to stick to December 31 Brexit transition deadline

  The top official at Britain’s foreign ministry said that he expected Prime Minister Boris Johnson to stick to the existing end of December deadline to reach a post-Brexit trade…

Brexit, European Union, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, European Union

19th April 2020

Extension of Brexit would force Britain to subsidise EU response to coronavirus

  Downing Street's refusal to extend the Brexit transition period is partly based on a concern that the EU will demand "massive" payments to help deal with the impact of…

Brexit, Coronavirus, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Coronavirus, UK

16th April 2020

Three quarters of British favour working with EU to get vital protective equipment

More than three quarters of the British public think the UK should participate in EU schemes to secure vital protective equipment, as it emerged ministers passed on three opportunities to take part. A…

Brexit, Coronavirus, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Coronavirus, UK

16th April 2020

IMF head calls for Brexit trade talk extension

The IMF has suggested the UK and the EU should "not to add to uncertainty" from coronavirus by refusing to extend the period to negotiate a post-Brexit trade deal. Managing…

Brexit, Business, IMF, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, IMF, UK

30th March 2020

Two-thirds of Britons want UK to request Brexit extension to focus on pandemic

Two-thirds of people in the UK want the government to request an extension to the Brexit transition period in order to focus on the coronavirus outbreak, a new opinion poll…

Brexit, Coronavirus, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Coronavirus, UK

19th March 2020

Britain and EU exchanged Brexit agreement drafts

  Britain and the European Union have exchanged draft legal texts containing their proposals for how relations between the two sides should work after the end of a Brexit transition…

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13th March 2020

UK and EU agree to ‘dial down rhetoric’ in Brexit talks

The UK and the EU have agreed to “dial down the rhetoric” over Brexit in an effort to open up space for a deal, it has emerged. Brussels and London…

Brexit, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, European Union, UK

6th March 2020

British government allocates £8 million to help vulnerable people apply to the EU Settlement Scheme

The Home Office has today, Friday, announced a further £8 million of funding to help vulnerable EU citizens apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. There have already been more than…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

6th March 2020

UK spent 4.4 billion pounds on Brexit planning

Britain’s government has spent at least 4.4 billion pounds ($5.6 billion) of taxpayers’ money on preparations to leave the European Union, the public spending watchdog said on Friday, in the…

Brexit, CD eNews, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

5th March 2020

Landmark Immigration Bill to end free movement introduced to British Parliament

The Immigration Bill will be introduced to the House of Commons today (Thursday 5 March) ending the European Union’s rules on free movement. It represents an important milestone in paving…

Brexit, CD eNews, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Freedom of Movement, Migration, UK

2nd March 2020

EU and Britain set for new talks

Britain and the European Union kick off talks on Monday on how their relationship will shape up after Brexit, with half a trillion euros worth of annual trade and close…

Brexit, Europe Explained, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, European Union, UK

3rd February 2020

‘Britain will prosper’: Johnson sets out tough terms for EU talks

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lay out his negotiating terms for talks with the European Union on Monday, saying Britain will prosper even if he cannot strike his preferred trade…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBoris Johnson, BREXIT, UK

1st February 2020

Redistribution of seats in the European Parliament after Brexit

As of 1 February, the number and distribution of seats in the Parliament changes following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. From 1 February, the European Parliament will have 705…

Brexit, European Parliament, European Union, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, European Parliament, European Union

1st February 2020

Boris Johnson plans to impose full customs and border checks on European goods

Boris Johnson is preparing to impose full customs and border checks on all European goods entering the UK after Brexit, in a ramping up of pressure on the coming EU-UK…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, European Union, UK

1st February 2020

Brexit is a ‘historic warning sign’ for the European Union, says Macron

Brexit is a "historic warning sign" for the European Union, French President Emmanuel Macron said hours before Britain's departure from the EU, adding that it meant "we need more Europe".…

Brexit, France, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, France

1st February 2020

A Photo Story: Celebration and regret as Britain leaves EU after 47 years

Almost four years on from the Leave vote in the 2016 referendum, the UK ceased to be a member of the bloc at midnight on Friday. The historic moment was…

Brexit, CD eNews, European Union, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, European Union, UK

31st January 2020

Opinion: A new dawn for Europe

As the night draws in this evening, the sun will set on more than 45 years of the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union. For us, as Presidents of…

Brexit, Diplomatique.Expert, European Commission, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, European Commission

31st January 2020

As Britain prepares to leave the EU, over 430,000 Romanians want to remain in the UK

Over 450,000 Romanian nationals live in the United Kingdom and over 95% of them have already applied for the EU Settlement Scheme that allows them to continue living and working…

Brexit, News, Romania, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Romania, UK

31st January 2020

‘Strength does not lie in splintered isolation’: Von der Leyen says on Brexit Day

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council head Charles Michel and Parliament chief David Sassoli vowed "to find new ways of working together for our future as allies, partners and…

Brexit, CD eNews, European Union, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, European Union, UK

31st January 2020

Scotland has ‘democratic mandate’ for new independence referendum, Sturgeon says on Brexit Day

Scotland's first minister has warned that there are "no shortcuts" to independence as she urged her party to build the political case for indyref2. In a speech in Edinburgh, Ms…

Brexit, CD eNews, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Scotland, UK

31st January 2020

Pompeo reassures Britain on US relations after Brexit

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the U.S. and Britain would retain and enhance their special relationship once the U.K. leaves the European Union this week. He also…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UK, USABREXIT, Mike Pompeo, UK, USA

31st January 2020

A look at how the UK’s main newspapers are reporting Brexit Day

A look at the front pages of Britain’s national newspapers which are dominated by the historical exit from the European Union that will be taking place today at midnight. Prime…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

31st January 2020

Brexit Day: Boris Johnson to hail ‘dawn of a new era’ on departure day

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hail the "dawn of a new era" on Friday, as the UK prepares to leave the European Union after 47 years. In a speech to…

Brexit, CD eNews, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, European Union, UK

30th January 2020

British Security Minister speaks to Italian citizens about the EU Settlement Scheme

Last night, the Security Minister Brandon Lewis addressed Italian citizens about the EU Settlement Scheme at an event hosted by the Ambassador of Italy to the UK Raffaele Trombetta. In…

Brexit, Italy, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Italy, UK

30th January 2020

Photo Story: New commemorative 50p Brexit coin

A handout photo made available by The Royal Mint shows the new commemorative 50p Brexit coin in Gold, silver and Brilliant, issued 30 January 2020. The coin carries the text…

Brexit, News, Photo Story, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, coin, UK

30th January 2020

UK PM Johnson plans ‘respectful’ Brexit celebration

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would be respectful in his celebrations on Friday when Britain leaves the European Union, mindful that Brexit still divides the country. “In common with…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBoris Johnson, BREXIT, UK

30th January 2020

Scottish parliament votes to hold new independence referendum

Scotland’s Parliament voted Wednesday to hold a new referendum on Scottish independence, a move intended to increase political pressure on the British government as the UK leaves the European Union.…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Referendum, Scotland, UK

29th January 2020

UK and EEA EFTA States sign Separation Agreement

  The UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have signed the EEA EFTA Separation Agreement. This agreement largely mirrors the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated with the EU. The agreement protects the rights…

Brexit, EEA EFTA, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, EEA EFTA, UK

29th January 2020

UK delivers the instruments of ratification for Brexit

Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the European Union, Tim Barrow (L) on Wednesday delivered the instruments of ratification for Brexit, to European Council Secretary General Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen at…

Brexit, CD eNews, European Union, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, European Union, UK

27th January 2020

Irish Prime Minister believes EU will have upper hand in trade talks with UK

The Irish prime minister has told BBC News he believes the EU will have the upper hand in the upcoming trade talks with the UK. Leo Varadkar compared the two…

Brexit, European Union, Ireland, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, European Union, Ireland

27th January 2020

Fast-track ‘global talent visa’ to be launched in the UK days after Brexit

The government has announced it will launch a “global talent visa” on 20 February to encourage scientists, researchers and mathematicians to come to the UK, with no limit on how…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

26th January 2020

UK unveils government’s full plans to commemorate Brexit day on the 31st January

  The British Prime Minister has unveiled the government’s full plans to commemorate Brexit day on the 31st January. The historic moment will be marked through: The commemorative 50p coin…

Brexit, CD eNews, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

23rd January 2020

British landlords back cards for EU citizens to prove post-Brexit status

Private landlords have backed calls for the government to issue a physical cards to EU citizens to prove they have the right to be in the country post Brexit. The…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, RLA, UK

23rd January 2020

Britain’s Brexit bill passes final hurdle in Parliament

Britain’s Brexit bill passed its final hurdle in Parliament on Wednesday after the House of Lords abandoned attempts to amend it, leaving the U.K. on course to leave the European…

Brexit, CD eNews, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

20th January 2020

Points-based immigration system in the UK ‘to be brought in by end of 2020’

Sky News reports that a points-based immigration system could be in place two years earlier than originally planned. Home Secretary Priti Patel is reportedly set to tell her cabinet colleagues…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

20th January 2020

Brussels alarmed by UK’s vow to diverge from EU rules

The UK’s pledge to diverge from EU rules after Brexit has provoked alarm in Brussels, with officials warning of an economically damaging split at the end of this year. European…

Brexit, Europe Explained, European Union, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, European Union, UK

18th January 2020

British Chancellor warns that there will be no alignment on EU regulations after Brexit

The chancellor, Sajid Javid, has warned that there will be no alignment with EU regulations once Britain’s exit from the European Union is made official. In what is being seen…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

18th January 2020

Countdown clock to illuminate Downing Street on Brexit Day

A clock counting down to the moment Britain leaves the European Union on January 31 will be projected onto Downing Street under Government plans to mark the occasion. Buildings around…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

17th January 2020

EU’s Guy Verhofstadt predicts Brexit will be reversed

Britain will one day rejoin the European Union, one of the bloc's senior figures has predicted. Guy Verhofstadt, chairman of the EU's Brexit Steering Group, said he agreed with the…

Brexit, European Union, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Guy Verhofstadt, UK

17th January 2020

New travel advice for British travelling to EU after Brexit

The travel industry is trying to reassure tourists that their summer holidays won't be affected by the UK's departure from the European Union. Little is certain about how travellers may…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, Tourism, UKBREXIT, Tourism, UK

16th January 2020

British MEPs say goodbye to the European Parliament

With the U.K. all but certain to leave the European Union on January 31, this week was the last plenary session in Strasbourg for the 72 British MEPs. They spent…

Brexit, Europe Explained, European Parliament, European Union, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, European Parliament, European Union, UK

15th January 2020

Total to move financial hub from London to Paris after Brexit

The French oil company Total plans to pull its cash out of the UK after Brexit and return its financial hub to Paris in a show of faith in Europe,…

Brexit, Business, Company News, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, London, Paris, total, UK

15th January 2020

EU confirms there will be border checks inside UK under Brexit deal

There will be border checks on trade inside the UK under the Brexit deal negotiated by Boris Johnson, the EU’s chief negotiator has said. Michel Barnier confirmed there would be…

Brexit, European Union, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, European Union, Michel Barnier, UK

13th January 2020

Irish Brexit border issue could land UK in court, report finds

The Irish border could yet snag Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, with experts saying it will be impossible to deliver the computer systems for the special arrangements for Northern Ireland by…

Brexit, Ireland, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Ireland, UK

13th January 2020

The Cost of Brexit for the UK: $170 Billion and Counting

Research by Bloomberg Economics estimates that the economic cost of Brexit has already hit 130 billion pounds ($170 billion), with a further 70 billion pounds set to be added by…

Brexit, Economy, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Economy, UK

12th January 2020

Irish foreign minister says EU will not be rushed in post-Brexit negotiations

Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said on Sunday the European Union would not be rushed in negotiations with Britain to thrash out their post-Brexit relationship. “The European Union will approach…

Brexit, European Union, Ireland, News, The Brexit UpdateBREXIT, European Union

12th January 2020

UK public wants to remain in EU, new poll finds weeks before withdrawal date

Boris Johnson is set to take the UK out of the European Union at a time when a majority of voters want to stay, according to a new poll. The…

Brexit, CD eNews, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, UK

10th January 2020

Fears over future for Erasmus international student exchange scheme after Brexit

Former students who benefited from the EU’s Erasmus+ scheme have voiced dismay following the defeat of a parliamentary bid to force the government to keep it open to UK students…

Brexit, News, The Brexit Update, UKBREXIT, Erasmus, UK