Recommendations & Conclusions
50 items
1
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The EU is a key partner for the UK. The relationship is more stable now than it has been for some time, but significant challenges remain and there are ample opportunities to improve it further. We are supportive of Government efforts to address these challenges, rebuilding trust and improving the …
Read more
The EU is a key partner for the UK. The relationship is more stable now than it has been for some time, but significant challenges remain and there are ample opportunities to improve it further. We are supportive of Government efforts to address these challenges, rebuilding trust and improving the relationship in the UK and EU’s shared interest. (Conclusion, Paragraph 19)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The Government welcomes the Committee’s reflections and outlines steps taken to reset relations with the EU, focusing on deeper integration, reducing trade barriers, and supporting the internal market, with specific mention of agreements related to food and drink, energy efficiency, and emissions trading.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
2
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We agree that faithful implementation of the existing agreements with the EU is key to the stability of the overall UK-EU relationship, as well as to the prospects of any substantive improvements to it. Regrettably, Brexit itself and the subsequent Windsor Framework arrangements for Northern Ireland have repeatedly been a …
Read more
We agree that faithful implementation of the existing agreements with the EU is key to the stability of the overall UK-EU relationship, as well as to the prospects of any substantive improvements to it. Regrettably, Brexit itself and the subsequent Windsor Framework arrangements for Northern Ireland have repeatedly been a source of friction. We understand the need for the Government to implement the Windsor Framework in good faith, while also working closely with the Executive, Assembly and stakeholders in Northern Ireland to mitigate negative impacts on trade between there and the rest of the UK. We welcome the Government’s clear intent to address some of those impacts through overall improvements to the UK-EU relationship as part of the “reset”. (Conclusion, Paragraph 20)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The Government welcomes the Committee’s reflections and states that deeper integration with the EU will deliver greater prosperity and security for the whole of the UK, reducing friction for Northern Ireland and supporting the internal market.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
3
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We welcome the continued efforts being made by all parties to reach a new Agreement on Gibraltar. This should bring an end to nearly 10 years of uncertainty and ensure the continued fluidity of the border with Spain, without diminishing UK sovereignty. We hope that a treaty that safeguards UK …
Read more
We welcome the continued efforts being made by all parties to reach a new Agreement on Gibraltar. This should bring an end to nearly 10 years of uncertainty and ensure the continued fluidity of the border with Spain, without diminishing UK sovereignty. We hope that a treaty that safeguards UK and Gibraltarian interests can be brought into effect without delay. (Conclusion, Paragraph 23)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the Committee's reflections and states its aim for deeper integration with the EU, highlighting agreements made at the last summit, and states that parliamentarians' interest in the Treaty will be conveyed to the Leader of the House, Chief Whip and Business Managers …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
7
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We welcome the Government’s success in securing a time-limited commitment from the EU to restore tariff-free exports for certain steel products at the Lancaster House summit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38)
Government response AI summary
The UK and EU have announced measures to protect their steel industries, recognising the need to protect historic levels of trade, particularly in regard to category 17 steel.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
8
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
With the UK now outside the Customs Union, the risk of future EU tariffs on British steel remains. The Government did not identify the issue of steel tariffs as a priority in its public communications on the “reset”, and it is not at all clear what, if anything, it proposed …
Read more
With the UK now outside the Customs Union, the risk of future EU tariffs on British steel remains. The Government did not identify the issue of steel tariffs as a priority in its public communications on the “reset”, and it is not at all clear what, if anything, it proposed to the EU to address this matter comprehensively as part of the first UK-EU summit. Nonetheless, it is disappointing that, despite the positive momentum in the relationship, and the importance of a thriving metals sector to Europe’s shared defence industrial base, the European Commission has not proposed to exclude the UK from its proposals for the EU’s post-2026 steel tariff regime. We regret that the Lancaster House summit did not produce a long-term deal on steel tariffs. These developments point to the lack of adequate UK-EU political structures to address shared strategic challenges, in this case unfair Chinese industrial practices, collaboratively. (Conclusion, Paragraph 39)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of steel to both the UK and the EU, highlights measures taken to protect the industries, and commits to finding a bilateral solution with the EU to protect UK-EU steel trade.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
9
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We ask the Government to confirm if the European Commission’s commitment to ‘duly reflect’ historic UK export volumes of Category 17 steel in its new steel tariff regime means that historic UK volumes of such exports will still be able to enter the EU tariff-free from June. We also ask …
Read more
We ask the Government to confirm if the European Commission’s commitment to ‘duly reflect’ historic UK export volumes of Category 17 steel in its new steel tariff regime means that historic UK volumes of such exports will still be able to enter the EU tariff-free from June. We also ask the Government to clarify if it sought a more durable arrangement with the EU on steel tariffs in the run-up to the May 2025 summit; provide an update on its engagement with the Commission more generally to avoid the imposition of tariffs on exports of British steel in other categories from summer 2026; 87 and set out to what extent the UK’s “red lines” for negotiations with the EU, particularly on customs matters and the Single Market, affect its ability to do so. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that it is committed to finding a bilateral solution with the EU on steel measures that protects vital UK-EU steel trade and both industries, following the EU's announcement of future steel trade measures in October 2025.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
11
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We hope the Security and Defence Partnership will, in particular, facilitate sustained UK-EU cooperation in support of Ukraine’s defence and, by extension, European security. In that context, it is extremely regrettable that the EU Member States in December 2025 were unable to find a united EU position on the use …
Read more
We hope the Security and Defence Partnership will, in particular, facilitate sustained UK-EU cooperation in support of Ukraine’s defence and, by extension, European security. In that context, it is extremely regrettable that the EU Member States in December 2025 were unable to find a united EU position on the use of immobilised Russian Sovereign assets to provide Ukraine with the financial support it needs. The UK is unwilling to seize the Russian Sovereign assets in its jurisdiction in the absence of a coordinated move with Europe. It will be European taxpayers that shoulder more of the burden, rather than utilising the significant assets of the aggressor that are at the UK and EU’s disposal to utilise in line with international law. Ultimately, for a just and lasting peace, Russia will need to pay reparations to account for the damage it has inflicted. It remains imperative that a way is found to deploy the Kremlin’s Sovereign assets in support of Ukraine. (Conclusion, Paragraph 48)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government condemns Russia's actions in Ukraine, reaffirms its commitment to coordinate with the EU to provide aid, and highlights that they are leveraging immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine's needs.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
13
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
European security is facing its greatest threat since the end of the Cold War. Russia continues its illegal war on Ukraine and poses an acute threat to the security of the entire European continent. It has intensified its hybrid operations in the UK and across the EU. This threat makes …
Read more
European security is facing its greatest threat since the end of the Cold War. Russia continues its illegal war on Ukraine and poses an acute threat to the security of the entire European continent. It has intensified its hybrid operations in the UK and across the EU. This threat makes industrial cooperation between the UK and EU, to support Europe’s collective military capabilities and resilience to hybrid threats, an indispensable, strategic imperative. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of industrial cooperation but notes that negotiations on the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) were not concluded due to national interest concerns, but claims UK defense companies continue to have access to SAFE contracts under standard third-country terms.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
14
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The UK is a key player in continued efforts to repel Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to protect Europe’s security more broadly. Security Action for Europe, as a key EU programme aimed at improving the defence of the European continent, would clearly be more effective with greater involvement of Britain’s …
Read more
The UK is a key player in continued efforts to repel Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to protect Europe’s security more broadly. Security Action for Europe, as a key EU programme aimed at improving the defence of the European continent, would clearly be more effective with greater involvement of Britain’s large and sophisticated defence industrial base. 88 This was highlighted explicitly as a priority in the new Security and Defence Partnership, and agreeing on greater UK involvement would send a clear sign of close UK-EU security cooperation in response to the Russian threat. (Conclusion, Paragraph 55)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's interest, states they entered negotiations in good faith, but were unable to conclude negotiations with an agreement as it was not in the national interest. However, UK defence companies continue to have access to SAFE contracts under standard third-country terms.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
15
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
It is therefore extremely disappointing that these negotiations have been a failure so far. This is the direct result of EU demands for a UK financial contribution to Security Action for Europe that was, we agree with the Government, beyond the bounds of the reasonable. As a result, cooperation in …
Read more
It is therefore extremely disappointing that these negotiations have been a failure so far. This is the direct result of EU demands for a UK financial contribution to Security Action for Europe that was, we agree with the Government, beyond the bounds of the reasonable. As a result, cooperation in an area as crucial as defence collaboration, needed urgently to support Ukraine, has been derailed. This is a worrying sign that the UK and EU are far from ready to think strategically about their shared interests and act accordingly. (Conclusion, Paragraph 56)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the Committee’s interest in SAFE, but states that it was not able to conclude negotiations with an agreement. The UK will continue to monitor EU defense initiatives closely, engage bilaterally, and update Parliament on any significant developments.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
16
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The EU’s regrettable approach to the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) negotiations does not negate the need for improved UK-EU cooperation on defence industrial matters as a matter of strategic urgency. We therefore recommend the Government continue to seek a deal on cooperation under SAFE, provided the EU is willing …
Read more
The EU’s regrettable approach to the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) negotiations does not negate the need for improved UK-EU cooperation on defence industrial matters as a matter of strategic urgency. We therefore recommend the Government continue to seek a deal on cooperation under SAFE, provided the EU is willing to reconsider its financial demands. Given the strategic priority of closer UK cooperation with the EU on defence industrial matters, it should be clear with the public as to the reasons why the negotiations failed, and raise the importance of avoiding the same mistakes occurring again at all levels with the EU and bilaterally with Member States. (Recommendation, Paragraph 57)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for cooperation on defence but states it was unable to conclude negotiations with the EU and remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the EU and will continue to engage bilaterally with the EU Commission and EU Member States.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
18
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The Common Understanding agreed with the EU is one of the key outcomes of the Government’s “reset” efforts to date. As and when delivered fully, it should significantly reduce barriers to trade for some sectors, albeit resulting in reduced UK regulatory autonomy due to the commitment to dynamic alignment with …
Read more
The Common Understanding agreed with the EU is one of the key outcomes of the Government’s “reset” efforts to date. As and when delivered fully, it should significantly reduce barriers to trade for some sectors, albeit resulting in reduced UK regulatory autonomy due to the commitment to dynamic alignment with EU law. It should also improve cooperation in areas like irregular migration, although it is vague on specific outcomes in that area making scrutiny of progress difficult. (Conclusion, Paragraph 63)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The Government was elected on the basis of manifesto commitments to reset relations with our European Partners, while sticking to our red lines, and states it delivered on this.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
19
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Reflecting the Government’s approach to setting its EU negotiating objectives, we found there is little in the Common Understanding by way of a connecting thread between its different elements. Some of the Government’s known objectives for the “reset”, as well as numerous proposals made by stakeholders for improvements to the …
Read more
Reflecting the Government’s approach to setting its EU negotiating objectives, we found there is little in the Common Understanding by way of a connecting thread between its different elements. Some of the Government’s known objectives for the “reset”, as well as numerous proposals made by stakeholders for improvements to the relationship, are missing. Conversely, some elements that are included in the Common Understanding, such as electricity trading and steel tariffs, were not articulated as UK priorities 89 before the summit at all. There is no sense of urgency within the Common Understanding to establish better ways of working together on other strategic challenges, notably economic security risks and coordination of the UK and EU’s respective policy response to them (such as the EU Industrial Accelerator Act). The overall impression is that the Government failed to present and secure a coherent roadmap for the future of the UK-EU relationship. (Conclusion, Paragraph 64)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government agrees that faithful implementation of the existing agreements with the EU is key to the stability of the overall UK-EU relationship and mentions the Windsor Framework.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
21
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The Government has made the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the EU a political priority and convincingly demonstrated its potential economic benefits if properly negotiated. However, important questions remain about the scope of the Agreement and of any exemptions from the UK’s obligation to align with EU rules. (Conclusion, Paragraph …
Read more
The Government has made the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the EU a political priority and convincingly demonstrated its potential economic benefits if properly negotiated. However, important questions remain about the scope of the Agreement and of any exemptions from the UK’s obligation to align with EU rules. (Conclusion, Paragraph 72)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of alignment with the EU, citing manifesto commitments and potential economic benefits, and states it will take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach while engaging with industry.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
22
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
In particular, we ask the Government to provide further clarity regarding the specific exemptions it will demand with respect to animal welfare, genomic techniques and pesticides at the earliest opportunity, recognising the significant benefits of UK regulatory autonomy in these areas. (Recommendation, Paragraph 73)
Read more
In particular, we ask the Government to provide further clarity regarding the specific exemptions it will demand with respect to animal welfare, genomic techniques and pesticides at the earliest opportunity, recognising the significant benefits of UK regulatory autonomy in these areas. (Recommendation, Paragraph 73)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of alignment with the EU, citing manifesto commitments and potential economic benefits, and states it will take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach while engaging with industry.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
28
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
More broadly, the Government has now entered into negotiations with the EU on several agreements on the basis of dynamic alignment with relevant EU laws, subject to some exceptions yet to be negotiated. The Committee notes that this will, necessarily, reduce regulatory autonomy in Great Britain, beyond the constraints that …
Read more
More broadly, the Government has now entered into negotiations with the EU on several agreements on the basis of dynamic alignment with relevant EU laws, subject to some exceptions yet to be negotiated. The Committee notes that this will, necessarily, reduce regulatory autonomy in Great Britain, beyond the constraints that apply already in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, as the price for improved terms of trade with the EU. We consider the democratic legitimacy and parliamentary implications of this further in chapter 5 of this Report. (Conclusion, Paragraph 86)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government recognises the important role for Parliament and states that Parliament will have a say in areas of dynamic alignment with EU laws and be able to respond to treaties and the related Bill. However, they state that they cannot give a running commentary …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
29
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
There is a lack of clarity about the extent to which relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union will be binding on the UK under any new Agreements based on dynamic alignment. (Conclusion, Paragraph 87)
Government response AI summary
The government recognises the important role for Parliament and states that Parliament will have a say in areas of dynamic alignment with EU laws and be able to respond to treaties and the related Bill. However, they state that they cannot give a running commentary …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
30
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Beyond the Court of Justice of the European Union’s (CJEU) limited role in dispute resolution where there is a referral of a specific question relating to EU law to that Court, we ask the Government to clarify if these Agreements are also likely to follow the precedent of the EU’s …
Read more
Beyond the Court of Justice of the European Union’s (CJEU) limited role in dispute resolution where there is a referral of a specific question relating to EU law to that Court, we ask the Government to clarify if these Agreements are also likely to follow the precedent of the EU’s recent treaties with Switzerland, requiring the UK to interpret and apply EU law referred to in the Agreements in conformity with CJEU case law, outside the context of a UK- EU dispute. (Recommendation, Paragraph 88)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government recognises the important role for Parliament and states that Parliament will have a say in areas of dynamic alignment with EU laws and be able to respond to treaties and the related Bill. However, they state that they cannot give a running commentary …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
34
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Given the EU’s parallel concerns about the restrictions of the UK’s visa sponsorship scheme, it is clear that this set of negotiations has two distinct strands. They are likely to require being treated as a package for the Government to achieve its objectives with respect to recognition of professional qualifications. …
Read more
Given the EU’s parallel concerns about the restrictions of the UK’s visa sponsorship scheme, it is clear that this set of negotiations has two distinct strands. They are likely to require being treated as a package for the Government to achieve its objectives with respect to recognition of professional qualifications. (Conclusion, Paragraph 98)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's recommendations for expanding cooperation and states its commitment to strengthening economic ties and removing trade barriers for professionals and artists through engagement with the EU.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
35
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
In its response to this Report, we ask the Government to provide an update on the progress made through the new Dialogues with the EU on professional qualifications and on business mobility, including ideally a shared UK-EU roadmap on establishing mutual recognition of professional qualifications for priority sectors. (Recommendation, Paragraph …
Read more
In its response to this Report, we ask the Government to provide an update on the progress made through the new Dialogues with the EU on professional qualifications and on business mobility, including ideally a shared UK-EU roadmap on establishing mutual recognition of professional qualifications for priority sectors. (Recommendation, Paragraph 99)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of expanding cooperation and states it is actively engaging with the EU and working to facilitate mobility and remove trade barriers for professionals and artists. However, it does not provide a specific update on progress through the new Dialogues or …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
36
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
While it may not shift the dial on the UK’s economic growth prospects, addressing the barriers that make it difficult for UK performers to tour in the EU could make a significant difference to that sector, have a positive cultural impact, and provide a boost to “soft power” for the …
Read more
While it may not shift the dial on the UK’s economic growth prospects, addressing the barriers that make it difficult for UK performers to tour in the EU could make a significant difference to that sector, have a positive cultural impact, and provide a boost to “soft power” for the UK. We support the Government’s efforts to reduce hurdles that touring artists face in the EU and share the ambition of securing more concrete commitments to that effect at the next summit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 102)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the committee's support for its efforts to facilitate artist mobility and outlines ongoing work, including the Youth Experience Scheme and discussions with the EU, to secure arrangements for short-term, multi-country tours for artists.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
39
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Most Members of the Committee broadly welcome the outcome of the Lancaster House summit as a starting point for improved relations with the EU. It has substantially improved the overall political relationship and inserted positive momentum. However, the Government failed to clearly identify its strategic priorities for the summit and, …
Read more
Most Members of the Committee broadly welcome the outcome of the Lancaster House summit as a starting point for improved relations with the EU. It has substantially improved the overall political relationship and inserted positive momentum. However, the Government failed to clearly identify its strategic priorities for the summit and, overall, it appears the EU achieved more concrete progress towards their most pressing demands—in particular with respect to fish—than the UK did. Most of the Government’s known objectives for the “reset” still require substantial further negotiations and the timeline for their implementation remains uncertain. The lack of a strategic approach to the summit is also clear from the narrow EU commitment on steel tariffs, which was revealed to be inadequate within six months of the summit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 109)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the report, reiterating its commitment to strengthening the UK-EU strategic partnership by outlining ongoing negotiations and future plans in areas such as food and drink, emissions trading, youth experience, and the electricity market.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
40
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The further negotiations with the EU announced at the Lancaster House summit were always going to present complexities. Compromises will need to be made on both sides. We recognise the Government’s desire to make rapid progress in the on-going talks to enable the benefits of a closer relationship for citizens …
Read more
The further negotiations with the EU announced at the Lancaster House summit were always going to present complexities. Compromises will need to be made on both sides. We recognise the Government’s desire to make rapid progress in the on-going talks to enable the benefits of a closer relationship for citizens and businesses with the EU to materialise. We urge our EU partners to recognise the significant flexibility the UK has already shown to make the new Strategic Partnership a success, and to reciprocate in kind with a due sense of urgency and purpose in the remaining strands of work. (Conclusion, Paragraph 110)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the ongoing process of strengthening the UK-EU strategic partnership, outlining current and future negotiation plans for various agreements to deepen the relationship.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
41
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Despite Ministers talking about ‘implementing’ the outcomes of the first UK-EU summit, substantive and potentially difficult negotiations with the EU to translate many of them into practice are very much on-going. Significant changes in the UK’s relationship with the EU were never likely to happen quickly. Realistic expectations management by …
Read more
Despite Ministers talking about ‘implementing’ the outcomes of the first UK-EU summit, substantive and potentially difficult negotiations with the EU to translate many of them into practice are very much on-going. Significant changes in the UK’s relationship with the EU were never likely to happen quickly. Realistic expectations management by the Government is key to continued confidence in the “reset”. Ministers should avoid inadvertently creating false expectations of imminent practical benefits, in particular while negotiations are on-going. (Conclusion, Paragraph 112)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the UK-EU strategic partnership is an ongoing process, implying realistic expectations. It highlights progress on negotiations for a food and drink agreement and linking Emissions Trading Schemes, and outlines further areas of focus for the current year.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
42
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We recommend that the Government adopt a more coherent, cross- Departmental approach to communicating progress made in the negotiations with the EU on the various agreements foreseen by the Common Understanding, and in particular refrain from referring to any 93 of these as being ‘secured’ or ‘agreed’ at least until …
Read more
We recommend that the Government adopt a more coherent, cross- Departmental approach to communicating progress made in the negotiations with the EU on the various agreements foreseen by the Common Understanding, and in particular refrain from referring to any 93 of these as being ‘secured’ or ‘agreed’ at least until political agreement on a particular draft treaty has been reached and announced. (Recommendation, Paragraph 113)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government commits to being open and transparent in its engagement with Parliament regarding implementation of the Summit outcomes and further negotiations, citing examples of past engagement.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
44
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
While we recognise that not all things can be negotiated in the open, there is a tension between exposing one’s hand and the transparency necessary for good parliamentary scrutiny. The Government will be better equipped to conduct the negotiations with the EU if it is well-informed through consultation and engagement, …
Read more
While we recognise that not all things can be negotiated in the open, there is a tension between exposing one’s hand and the transparency necessary for good parliamentary scrutiny. The Government will be better equipped to conduct the negotiations with the EU if it is well-informed through consultation and engagement, both with Parliament and with other stakeholders. Its approach to transparency of, and consultation on, the UK’s objectives for the sector-specific negotiations foreseen by the Common Understanding has been haphazard. More systematic outreach as the negotiations progress, or new negotiating strands are added, will also aid in the implementation of new arrangements with the EU in due course, as those affected will be prepared for them. By extension, this should help the benefits Government expects to accrue from these new agreements to materialise more rapidly. (Conclusion, Paragraph 119)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that it takes its commitment to scrutiny very seriously and is committed to being open and transparent in its engagement with Parliament, including through formal evidence sessions, correspondence and private briefings.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
45
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Given the claimed economic impact of the sectoral agreements envisaged in the Common Understanding is larger than that of most Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), we recommend that the Government mirror the Department for Business and Trade’s commitments on transparency of FTA negotiations in current (and future) negotiations with the EU. …
Read more
Given the claimed economic impact of the sectoral agreements envisaged in the Common Understanding is larger than that of most Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), we recommend that the Government mirror the Department for Business and Trade’s commitments on transparency of FTA negotiations in current (and future) negotiations with the EU. This means it would publish, at a minimum, “Strategic Approaches” for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement, emissions trading systems linkage, electricity trading and youth mobility negotiations with the EU; conduct a Call for Evidence on each of these; as well as commit to publishing updates after each formal negotiating round with the EU. This would improve transparency of the negotiations, without providing a running commentary, and should enable key stakeholders to help inform the UK negotiating position in the current phase of the talks, and spot potential problems before the agreements are finalised. (Recommendation, Paragraph 120) 94
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that it takes its commitment to scrutiny very seriously and is committed to being open and transparent in its engagement with Parliament, including through formal evidence sessions, correspondence and private briefings.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
51
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The outcome of the Lancaster House summit was a major step change in the UK’s relationship with the EU after Brexit, but it has, naturally, not been able to resolve all outstanding issues. Further pressure for negotiations will remain. We are supportive of the Government’s efforts to pursue additional priorities …
Read more
The outcome of the Lancaster House summit was a major step change in the UK’s relationship with the EU after Brexit, but it has, naturally, not been able to resolve all outstanding issues. Further pressure for negotiations will remain. We are supportive of the Government’s efforts to pursue additional priorities for improvement to the UK-EU economic relationship that were not agreed at the Lancaster House summit, in particular on mutual recognition of conformity assessments, accession to the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention and removing difficulties faced by UK touring artists. We hope to see more progress on these at the next UK-EU summit later this year. (Conclusion, Paragraph 135)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states it is taking a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach to closer economic cooperation with the EU and will continue to engage with stakeholders.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
52
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
To enable the Strategic Partnership to deliver to its full potential, Ministers will need to produce a clearer and more coherent vision about the EU relationship for the next phase of negotiations. The UK and EU both face far- reaching national and economic security challenges from an increasingly multipolar global …
Read more
To enable the Strategic Partnership to deliver to its full potential, Ministers will need to produce a clearer and more coherent vision about the EU relationship for the next phase of negotiations. The UK and EU both face far- reaching national and economic security challenges from an increasingly multipolar global order and a more transactional ally in the US. While the Government has told us that it has undertaken a “realistic, hard-headed assessment of international politics and our national interest”, we do not believe this extremely unstable geopolitical context is adequately reflected in the outcome of the Lancaster House summit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 148)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states it is taking a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach to closer economic cooperation with the EU and will continue to engage with stakeholders.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
53
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
In many ways, UK and EU security interests intersect and overlap, and actions taken separately may be less effective than shared action. Worse, as the EU’s steel tariffs show, unilateral action by one party to the Strategic Partnership risks damaging the other. Yet even after the Lancaster House summit with …
Read more
In many ways, UK and EU security interests intersect and overlap, and actions taken separately may be less effective than shared action. Worse, as the EU’s steel tariffs show, unilateral action by one party to the Strategic Partnership risks damaging the other. Yet even after the Lancaster House summit with the EU, we do not have the structures needed to coordinate policies of strategic significance and to enhance the UK and EU’s collective agency in the face of these challenges. This needs to be fixed, urgently. (Conclusion, Paragraph 149)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government is pursuing closer cooperation with the EU under the Security and Defence Partnership in areas which deliver practical results against shared threats, including supporting Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and coordinating on defence industrial resilience, underpinned by high-level engagement.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
55
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership could be used as a springboard to further operational cooperation on security and defence matters where this is in the UK interest. It is unclear which specific options, such as a Framework Participation Agreement or an Administrative Arrangement with the European Defence Agency, the …
Read more
The UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership could be used as a springboard to further operational cooperation on security and defence matters where this is in the UK interest. It is unclear which specific options, such as a Framework Participation Agreement or an Administrative Arrangement with the European Defence Agency, the Government intends to pursue further, especially following the failure of the negotiations on UK involvement in the EU Security Action for Europe programme. While the EU is not a traditional military actor, we have heard how it has some strengths that are complementary to NATO when it comes to security and resilience, in particular its financial and regulatory levers. The UK should seek to engage with these, in particular through the “high level meetings” foreseen by the UK-EU Joint Statement of 19 May 2025. (Conclusion, Paragraph 151)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government is pursuing closer cooperation with the EU under the Security and Defence Partnership in areas which deliver practical results against shared threats, including supporting Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and coordinating on defence industrial resilience, underpinned by high-level engagement.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
57
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
On the balance of the evidence available, we can see that trade barriers with the EU continue to be a major issue for many sectors. We support Government efforts to explore what further opportunities exist for reducing them jointly with the EU. It is unfortunate that statements made in recent …
Read more
On the balance of the evidence available, we can see that trade barriers with the EU continue to be a major issue for many sectors. We support Government efforts to explore what further opportunities exist for reducing them jointly with the EU. It is unfortunate that statements made in recent months by different Ministers about both the “damage” done by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and their ambitions for the future of the economic relationship with the EU through further alignment lack any detail. If the Government is considering making proposals to dynamically align with the EU in further areas or form a new customs partnership with the EU as longer-term objective, it should be clear about this and there must be the opportunity for appropriate scrutiny of such proposals in Parliament. (Conclusion, Paragraph 161)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The Government reiterates its commitment to resetting relations with European partners while adhering to its red lines (no return to the Customs Union, Single Market, or freedom of movement) and states it is already aligning with the Single Market in some areas.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
60
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We recommend in particular that the Government provide further details at the earliest opportunity, and in any event in its response to this Report, about its proposals for sectoral alignment with the EU Single Market in additional areas as suggested by the Prime Minister. This should make clear in particular …
Read more
We recommend in particular that the Government provide further details at the earliest opportunity, and in any event in its response to this Report, about its proposals for sectoral alignment with the EU Single Market in additional areas as suggested by the Prime Minister. This should make clear in particular the sectors it has prioritised in that regard, and how it intends to take that forward with the EU in the run-up to the next UK-EU summit. The Government should also use existing avenues for consultation to give the sectors affected the opportunity to provide views on the Government’s intentions, before any further formal negotiations based around alignment with EU rules are initiated. (Recommendation, Paragraph 164)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that there are areas where closer alignment with the EU can benefit UK businesses, drive growth, create jobs and lower prices, and it will continue to take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach, recognizing the importance of engaging industry as part of the UK-EU …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
62
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The evidence submitted to this inquiry shows there are a range of further pragmatic steps that the UK and EU can explore together with the aim of improving their trading relationship, strengthening their combined resilience in the face of global economic shocks and also further reducing barriers to intra-UK trade …
Read more
The evidence submitted to this inquiry shows there are a range of further pragmatic steps that the UK and EU can explore together with the aim of improving their trading relationship, strengthening their combined resilience in the face of global economic shocks and also further reducing barriers to intra-UK trade as a result of the Windsor Framework. (Conclusion, Paragraph 179)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that improving the economic and strategic relationship with the EU remains a top priority and that deeper integration is within the UK’s national interest, and that future summits will provide opportunities to strengthen this relationship.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
63
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We ask the Government to set out, in its reply to this Report, what options it has raised, or intends to raise, with the European Union to further reduce barriers to trade and investment in the following areas: • Regulatory non-tariff barriers to trade in goods, in particular for chemicals …
Read more
We ask the Government to set out, in its reply to this Report, what options it has raised, or intends to raise, with the European Union to further reduce barriers to trade and investment in the following areas: • Regulatory non-tariff barriers to trade in goods, in particular for chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as measures to reduce the impact of VAT and customs formalities for trade with the EU; • UK accession to the Lugano Convention to improve cross-border recognition of commercial judgements; • Steps to improve short-term mobility between the UK and EU for services providers and closer cooperation on financial services matters. (Recommendation, Paragraph 180)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government says it will continue to strengthen its relationship with the EU in order to improve our economic and strategic relationship, but they did not consent to the UK's application to accede to the Lugano Convention. Cooperation with the EU in this area now …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
66
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The Falkland Island Government has eloquently made the case for a new chapter on trade relations between the British Overseas Territories (BOTs) and the EU (alongside the separate arrangements for Gibraltar given its unique geographical situation). Given these territories’ small size, the lifting of the tariffs suggested by the Falklands …
Read more
The Falkland Island Government has eloquently made the case for a new chapter on trade relations between the British Overseas Territories (BOTs) and the EU (alongside the separate arrangements for Gibraltar given its unique geographical situation). Given these territories’ small size, the lifting of the tariffs suggested by the Falklands would not distort the EU market but have a significant beneficial economic impact on the BOTs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 187)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that it seeks to ensure that discussions on UK-EU relations and agreements take account of the views of, and impacts on, the UK Overseas Territories, and that changes to their trading arrangements would need to be pursued through the UK Government.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
67
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We urge the Government to continue to make the case with the EU for a better deal for the British Overseas Territories (BOTs). We ask the Government to clarify what proposals it has made to the European Commission in respect of the trade relations between the BOTs as part of …
Read more
We urge the Government to continue to make the case with the EU for a better deal for the British Overseas Territories (BOTs). We ask the Government to clarify what proposals it has made to the European Commission in respect of the trade relations between the BOTs as part of the “reset”, what barriers have prevented progress on this to date, and what its ambitions on this matter are for the next UK-EU summit later this year. (Recommendation, Paragraph 188)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government will account for the views of the UK Overseas Territories in discussions with the EU and has provided regular updates to them. Any changes to their trading arrangements with the EU would need to be pursued through the UK government as part of …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
68
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
While the best moment for an EU White Paper would have been in advance of the first UK-EU summit, we do not believe it is too late given that the Government’s own position on this matter is clearly in flux; there remains a need for a stable, long-term approach to …
Read more
While the best moment for an EU White Paper would have been in advance of the first UK-EU summit, we do not believe it is too late given that the Government’s own position on this matter is clearly in flux; there remains a need for a stable, long-term approach to the UK’s relationship with the EU; and the significant challenges in that relationship that remain which the Lancaster House summit did not address. A White Paper could serve in particular to elucidate the Government’s apparent shift in recent months towards considering a closer economic, and therefore political, relationship with the EU. (Conclusion, Paragraph 197) 99
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government refers to its manifesto commitments on resetting relations with the EU and the Common Understanding announced at the May Summit, setting out an agenda for strengthened cooperation, but does not commit to publishing a White Paper.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
72
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We have already made recommendations on extending the Government’s commitments to transparency of Free Trade Agreement negotiations to the negotiations with the EU. Given the cross-cutting nature and complexity of the EU relationship, we also recommend that the Government publish an Annual Report on the implementation of the Strategic Partnership …
Read more
We have already made recommendations on extending the Government’s commitments to transparency of Free Trade Agreement negotiations to the negotiations with the EU. Given the cross-cutting nature and complexity of the EU relationship, we also recommend that the Government publish an Annual Report on the implementation of the Strategic Partnership ahead of each subsequent UK-EU summit and enable a debate on this document in the House of Commons. This should cover progress made in the previous year on commitments made in the Common Understanding, as well as the implementation of new mechanisms for cooperation established under the Security and Defence Partnership. (Recommendation, Paragraph 203)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation but commits only to ongoing engagement with Parliament through existing mechanisms like evidence sessions and briefings, and will keep scrutiny commitments under review.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
73
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Parliament’s ability to effectively scrutinise any new agreements negotiated with the EU before they enter into force is a key test of the Government’s commitment to democratic legitimacy and accountability. It would be a concrete demonstration that lessons have been learned from the inadequate scrutiny processes for the Northern Ireland …
Read more
Parliament’s ability to effectively scrutinise any new agreements negotiated with the EU before they enter into force is a key test of the Government’s commitment to democratic legitimacy and accountability. It would be a concrete demonstration that lessons have been learned from the inadequate scrutiny processes for the Northern Ireland Protocol and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which had significant flaws that could have been ‘caught’ had Parliament been given the tools and time for thorough scrutiny. Parliamentary scrutiny should not be limited to any domestic legislation that may be required to give all or parts of any new agreements with the EU legal effect in the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 211) 100
Show less
Government response AI summary
The Government has been clear and consistent in its messaging on its ambitions for closer cooperation with the EU to improve the safety, security and economic prosperity of the UK. Mentions Common Understanding document.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
74
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We ask the Government to commit to making time for a debate and vote in the House of Commons for each new formal treaty with the EU that is subject to the process in section 20 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 prior to its ratification. Currently there …
Read more
We ask the Government to commit to making time for a debate and vote in the House of Commons for each new formal treaty with the EU that is subject to the process in section 20 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 prior to its ratification. Currently there are at least four such treaties expected. When doing so, the Government should commit to extend the scrutiny period Parliament has to consider these new Agreements prior to ratification, as it has already done for Free Trade Agreements. (Recommendation, Paragraph 212)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges Parliament's role in scrutinizing its work and states that scrutiny commitments are under review, indicating that legislation to implement new agreements will be brought forward, but does not commit to a debate and vote for each new formal treaty or extend the …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
75
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
It would have been preferable for the Government to publish its Dynamic Alignment Bill for implementation of the relevant new EU agreements in draft for pre-legislative scrutiny at an earlier opportunity so that the detail of this proposed mechanism could have been scrutinised before Parliament is asked to outsource part …
Read more
It would have been preferable for the Government to publish its Dynamic Alignment Bill for implementation of the relevant new EU agreements in draft for pre-legislative scrutiny at an earlier opportunity so that the detail of this proposed mechanism could have been scrutinised before Parliament is asked to outsource part of its legislative authority to the EU. To ensure the fullest possible scrutiny despite these constraints, we ask the Government to confirm that Parliament will not be asked to consider the substance of the Bill unless and until the finalised legal texts of the agreements with the EU that it will implement have been published. (Recommendation, Paragraph 213)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The Government acknowledges the role of Parliament in scrutinising its work and states that Parliament will scrutinise the legislation that implements the new agreements, but does not explicitly commit to ensuring that Parliament considers the substance of the Bill only after the finalized legal texts …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
76
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Given the impact, complexity and cross-cutting nature of the UK’s relationship with the EU, continued parliamentary scrutiny of the UK-EU relationship is vital. (Conclusion, Paragraph 221)
Government response AI summary
The government recognises the importance of parliamentary scrutiny of the UK-EU relationship and will keep scrutiny commitments under review to ensure that they are right as it moves forwards. It will also ensure Parliament can scrutinise the legislation that implements these new agreements where legislation …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
77
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The EU is a key international partner for the UK. As such, the Foreign Affairs Committee should continue carrying out the scrutiny function for the foreign policy dimension of the new relationship, including the Security and Defence Partnership, as well as relevant elements of the new Strategic Partnership and the …
Read more
The EU is a key international partner for the UK. As such, the Foreign Affairs Committee should continue carrying out the scrutiny function for the foreign policy dimension of the new relationship, including the Security and Defence Partnership, as well as relevant elements of the new Strategic Partnership and the annual summit process, as part of our broader programme of work and our scrutiny of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This would of course not preclude other Committees from considering EU- related matters as they see fit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 222)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government recognises the important role for Parliament in the legislation process and has secured explicit reference in the Common Understanding to the United Kingdom’s constitutional and parliamentary procedures for future areas of alignment. It states that Parliament will have a say where the UK …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
78
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
The closer relationship with the EU and the accelerating trend towards UK regulatory alignment with the EU does, however, raise important questions about the need for parliamentary scrutiny of EU matters within the House of Commons. In particular, under the envisaged agreements based on dynamic alignment the UK Parliament will, …
Read more
The closer relationship with the EU and the accelerating trend towards UK regulatory alignment with the EU does, however, raise important questions about the need for parliamentary scrutiny of EU matters within the House of Commons. In particular, under the envisaged agreements based on dynamic alignment the UK Parliament will, in effect, be asked to outsource more of its legislative autonomy to another jurisdiction while such treaties are in place (on top of the requirement to align with EU rules already required by the Windsor Framework for Northern Ireland). As long as alignment is taking place, EU laws will inevitably constrain UK Government policy and Parliament’s legislative functions, as well as having potentially significant impacts on businesses and citizens. (Conclusion, Paragraph 223) 101
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government recognises the important role for Parliament in the legislation process and has secured explicit reference in the Common Understanding to the United Kingdom’s constitutional and parliamentary procedures for future areas of alignment. It states that Parliament will have a say where the UK …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
79
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Even so, the UK has only limited scope to influence new EU laws with which it is or will be aligning. To ensure a degree of democratic legitimacy and accountability in relation to regulatory alignment with the European Union, it is necessary that the House of Commons should have appropriate …
Read more
Even so, the UK has only limited scope to influence new EU laws with which it is or will be aligning. To ensure a degree of democratic legitimacy and accountability in relation to regulatory alignment with the European Union, it is necessary that the House of Commons should have appropriate mechanisms in place to scrutinise EU laws of relevance to the UK. These should also enable the House to act on any concerns with the relevant Government Department and coordinate input, as required, into the UK’s future formal “decision-shaping” arrangements with the European Commission on draft EU laws where alignment takes place pursuant to a binding agreement. (Conclusion, Paragraph 224)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government recognises the important role for Parliament in the legislation process and has secured explicit reference in the Common Understanding to the United Kingdom’s constitutional and parliamentary procedures for future areas of alignment. It states that Parliament will have a say where the UK …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
82
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We intend to consider the matter further, engaging with other interested parties within the House of Commons. It would be preferable for there to be broad agreement on the appropriate EU scrutiny mechanisms before any new treaties with the EU requiring dynamic alignment are brought into force. (Conclusion, Paragraph 227)
Read more
We intend to consider the matter further, engaging with other interested parties within the House of Commons. It would be preferable for there to be broad agreement on the appropriate EU scrutiny mechanisms before any new treaties with the EU requiring dynamic alignment are brought into force. (Conclusion, Paragraph 227)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The Government recognises the important role for Parliament and says it will have a say in areas where the UK dynamically aligns with new EU laws, but is not able to comment on negotiations.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
83
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
While the House of Commons approach to scrutiny of EU matters is ultimately a matter for the House itself, the establishment of a new Committee requires the Government’s support and its effectiveness will also depend on the flow of information from relevant Ministers and Departments. We therefore ask the Government …
Read more
While the House of Commons approach to scrutiny of EU matters is ultimately a matter for the House itself, the establishment of a new Committee requires the Government’s support and its effectiveness will also depend on the flow of information from relevant Ministers and Departments. We therefore ask the Government to make clear if it supports the establishment of a Committee for scrutiny of EU Affairs in the House of Commons. (Recommendation, Paragraph 228) 102
Show less
Government response AI summary
The Government recognises the important role for Parliament and says it will have a say in areas where the UK dynamically aligns with new EU laws, but is not able to comment on negotiations.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
84
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
We also ask the Government to explain if it intends to make sure that the new agreements with the EU based on dynamic alignment will include a mechanism, for example modelled on the Stormont Brake, that would enable the UK to reject having to implement a new piece of EU …
Read more
We also ask the Government to explain if it intends to make sure that the new agreements with the EU based on dynamic alignment will include a mechanism, for example modelled on the Stormont Brake, that would enable the UK to reject having to implement a new piece of EU legislation that would otherwise be subject to the requirement to align; and what role it envisages for Parliament, and the House of Commons in particular, in the triggering of such a mechanism. (Recommendation, Paragraph 229)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the role of Parliament and states Parliament will have a say in dynamically aligning with new EU laws, but does not commit to a specific mechanism like the Stormont Brake. They state that they are in negotiations on decision-shaping powers and cannot …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
85
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Acknowledged
Similarly, we ask it to clarify if its recent assertion that “no new [EU] rules will apply in the UK without the UK first agreeing to this” means that the Government will have to consent to the UK aligning with relevant new EU laws under these future agreements on a …
Read more
Similarly, we ask it to clarify if its recent assertion that “no new [EU] rules will apply in the UK without the UK first agreeing to this” means that the Government will have to consent to the UK aligning with relevant new EU laws under these future agreements on a case-by-case basis; or whether ‘agreeing’ in this context was intended as a reference to the UK ratifying treaties with the EU requiring it to align automatically with all its rules on an on-going basis unless an exemption applies. (Recommendation, Paragraph 230) 103
Show less
Government response AI summary
The Government recognises the important role for Parliament and says it will have a say in areas where the UK dynamically aligns with new EU laws, but is not able to comment on negotiations.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office