Brexit: What's happening now?

Tuesday 15 January 2019

Work has been continuing to prepare for the Bailiwick's response to whatever happens with Brexit, as UK MPs prepare to vote on Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement.

There's been more than two years of talks with the EU and months of parliamentary and intra-party wrangling on both sides of the Commons, and there is now only 10 weeks remaining until Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29.

A decision is expected tonight, when voting is due to take place, but before then there will be some key moments.

Theresa May was due to meet her Cabinet in Downing Street this morning for its regular Tuesday morning meeting which usually lasts several hours. Then from 12:50 it will be crunch time with the last day of the Brexit debate due to be opened by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox.

Voting is due to begin at 19:00 but it could be 22:00 before we know what the result is.

At the end of the day, Mrs May is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons.

Pictured: Theresa May is expected to heavily lose tonight’s vote (Ben Birchall/PA)

How the UK will be affected is anyone's guess but what impact it will have on the Bailiwick of Guernsey is being as tightly controlled as it can be under the circumstances.

In regular statements throughout the Brexit process, the Policy and Resources Committee has said the Bailiwick’s preparations have been aligned with the UK’s preparations wherever possible, and the States have worked as closely as possible with the UK Government across a range of departments on various issues. 

The latest statement said: "Guernsey’s plans are to mitigate the risks for the island that might be associated with Brexit – particularly in the case of a no deal - and to protect the interests of residents and businesses." 

A number of scenarios have been considered but the States said last week that until a decision is made on Brexit, no further details could be given. We know that work is continuing "to ensure the security of supply of foods, medicines and medical supplies, fuels and chemicals" and "it is recommended that businesses make their own plans.  For example, in December the Committee for Home Affairs issued guidance for traders to assist those businesses that trade in goods and that will be effected by the end of our Protocol 3 relationship with the EU."

If the Withdrawal Agreement and Theresa May's deal are accepted by the House of Commons this evening, Policy & Resources Committee said it intends to publish its plans on Guernsey’s position as soon as possible and the States will debate the matter at the end of this month, which is the next scheduled meeting.

Pictured: Brexit decision day is upon us.