With the principles of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and a transition period provisionally agreed, the negotiations are moving on to look at the future relationship of the UK and EU. Just before Parliament’s summer recess began at the end of July, the Government published its White Paper setting out its proposals for that relationship.  However, Michel Barnier – the EU’s chief negotiator – has suggested key elements of the plan, such as the Facilitated Customs Arrangement, are unworkable.  There is significant pressure to make progress, with Mr Barnier setting a deadline of the EU Council meeting on 18 October to have the negotiations and agreement completed.  This would allow the deal to be ratified by the European Parliament (and the UK) before exit day on 29 March 2019.

 This briefing sets out:

• Trust preparations for the impact of Brexit, including a no deal scenario

• The latest UK political developments relating to Brexit.

• Developments in the Brexit negotiations.

• Parliamentary activities relating to Brexit, including the EU (Withdrawal) Act, the Trade Bill and Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill.

• NHS Providers’ work with the Cavendish Coalition and the Brexit Health Alliance to address the potential impacts of Brexit for the health and care sectors.