As the United Kingdom`s departure from the European Union (EU) draws closer, one of the most pressing questions is whether or not the UK has a Withdrawal Agreement. At this point, the answer is yes – but it hasn`t been without its challenges.
The Withdrawal Agreement was initially negotiated between the UK and the EU in late 2018, and was designed to establish an orderly transition period for the UK`s departure from the EU. The deal was intended to provide some clarity and stability for individuals and businesses affected by Brexit.
The Withdrawal Agreement covers a number of key issues, including the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU, the UK`s financial obligations to the EU, and the Northern Ireland border. One of the most contentious issues of the agreement has been the Irish border. The agreement includes the “backstop” which would keep Northern Ireland in the EU customs union and single market if a trade deal with the EU is not agreed upon by the end of 2020.
However, getting the Withdrawal Agreement passed in the UK Parliament has been a difficult and protracted process. The agreement was initially negotiated by Theresa May`s government, but it was rejected three times by Parliament. This led to May`s resignation as Prime Minister and the installation of Boris Johnson as her successor.
Johnson renegotiated the agreement with the EU in 2019, removing the Irish backstop and proposing an alternative solution which would give Northern Ireland a different status from the rest of the UK. The revised agreement was approved by the EU in October of that year.
The UK Parliament subsequently approved the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in January 2020, and the UK officially left the EU on January 31 of that year. However, the Withdrawal Agreement is not a comprehensive trade deal, and negotiations over the UK`s future relationship with the EU are ongoing.
In conclusion, the UK does have a Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, which covers a wide range of issues related to the UK`s departure from the EU. However, the road to securing the agreement has been long and difficult, and there are still many challenges ahead as the UK seeks to establish its new relationship with the EU.
