Brexit – Government publishes its White Paper

The Government today published its White Paper on the UK’s exit from, and new partnership with, the European Union. This sets out the government’s proposals for future Brexit legislation. This paper sets out the 12 principles which will guide the

Government in fulfilling the democratic will of the people of the UK, as announced by the Prime Minister on 17 January 2017.

The 12 principles are as follows:

1. Providing certainty and clarity;
2. Taking control of our own laws;
3. Strengthening the Union;
4. Protecting our strong historic ties with Ireland and maintaining the Common Travel Area;
5. Controlling immigration;
6. Securing rights for EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU;
7. Protecting workers’ rights;
8. Ensuring free trade with European markets;
9. Securing new trade agreements with other countries;
10. Ensuring the United Kingdom remains the best place for science and innovation;
11. Cooperating in the fight against crime and terrorism; and
12. Delivering a smooth, orderly exit from the EU.

With regards to controlling immigration, the paper sets out the following proposals;

• The Free Movement Directive will no longer apply and the migration of EU nationals will be subject to UK law;
• Existing EU students and those starting courses in 2016-17 and 2017-18 will continue to be eligible for student loans and home fee status for the duration of their course;
• Research councils will continue to fund postgraduate students from the EU whose courses start in 2017-18;
• When considering controlling immigration from the EU, the government will look at the impacts on the different sectors of the economy and the labour market, and will ensure that businesses and communities have the opportunity to contribute their views;
• Implementing new immigration arrangements for EU nationals and the support they receive will be complex and Parliament will have an important role in considering these matters further;
• There may be a phased process of implementation of the new immigration rules for EU nationals.

We will continue to keep you updated.