Abstract

In narrow terms, the Prime Minister’s Brexit speech in Florence can be judged against two tests. First, will the offers on the financial settlement and citizens’ rights represent ‘sufficient progress’ to allow talks on the future relationship to begin at last? And second, will the plan for a two-year transition period be enough to ease the widespread fears about a cliff-edge departure? In both cases, the speech is a helpful step forward, even if more will be needed. Criticisms that the speech lacked substance, merely ‘kicks the can down the road’, or is a ‘betrayal of Brexit’, all seem unfair. But it is also important not to lose sight of the bigger picture. Above all, any transition period must only be a stepping stone. The final destination should be a new and comprehensive free trade deal with the EU that also permits the UK to have a more open relationship with the rest of the world and smarter regulation at home. This surely means leaving both the Customs Union and the Single Market well behind.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.