Martin Howe QC Withdrawal Agreement: What You Need to Know
In November 2018, the UK and EU reached an agreement on the terms of the UK`s withdrawal from the European Union. This agreement, commonly known as the Withdrawal Agreement, was hotly debated in parliament and among the public. It has also been subject to scrutiny from legal experts, including Martin Howe QC.
Who is Martin Howe QC?
Martin Howe QC is a prominent barrister and legal commentator in the UK. He is a specialist in intellectual property law and a Queen`s Counsel, which is a prestigious title given to top barristers. Howe has been involved in several high-profile cases, including the landmark case that established the right of parody in UK copyright law. He is also a prominent figure in the debate around Brexit, having been a vocal critic of the Withdrawal Agreement.
What is the Withdrawal Agreement?
The Withdrawal Agreement is a legally binding document that sets out the terms of the UK`s departure from the EU. It covers a range of issues, including the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU, the financial settlement the UK will make to the EU, and the transition period during which the UK will continue to follow EU rules.
Why is Martin Howe QC critical of the Withdrawal Agreement?
Martin Howe QC has been critical of the Withdrawal Agreement for several reasons. One of his main concerns is the provisions relating to the Northern Ireland border. The agreement includes a backstop arrangement, which would come into effect if the UK and EU are unable to agree on a future trade deal that avoids a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Howe argues that the backstop would undermine the integrity of the UK by creating a border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
Howe has also criticised the Withdrawal Agreement for its failure to provide certainty on the future relationship between the UK and EU. He argues that the agreement leaves too many issues unresolved, including the future of the UK`s trading relationship with the EU.
What is the current status of the Withdrawal Agreement?
The Withdrawal Agreement was approved by the EU in November 2018 but has yet to be approved by the UK parliament. It has been subject to intense debate and criticism, and the government has already suffered several defeats in attempts to pass the agreement through parliament. The latest development is that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has secured a new Brexit deal with the EU, which replaces the Withdrawal Agreement. However, this new deal must also be approved by the UK parliament before it can be implemented.
In conclusion, Martin Howe QC has been a vocal critic of the Withdrawal Agreement. He has raised concerns over the backstop arrangement and the lack of certainty over the UK`s future relationship with the EU. As the debate over Brexit continues, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved and how the UK will navigate its departure from the EU.