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Editor's Note:
The writer, Mr. I. Hussain Janjua is a senior media professional and analyst having experience of research & broadcast journalism in different organisations. He is a non-resident fellow of Chengdu Institute of World Affairs (CIWA). (Email: [email protected]; twitter: @ihussainjanjua)
The Brexit Agreement between the UK and the European Union just six days before its expiry date is not only a Christmas present for the Britons but it has also ensured their long-standing relations with other European countries.
A statement issued by the British PM’s office said: “We have regained control of our waters for our money, borders, laws, trade and fishing. This is the largest bilateral trade agreement ever reached between the parties. A point-based immigration system will be implemented and no one will be able to enter the UK without our permission. Free movement will be abolished.”
The full agreement stretched over 1500 pages is very complex and has not been published at the moment. However, the British government and the European Union have highlighted some of the points included in the agreement.
In the sphere of trade, from next year, there will be no additional tariffs on trade between the UK and the EU, nor will there be any limit on trade. However, there will be a more rigorous inspection of goods at the border and the goods to be sent for customs.
However, it is expected the agreement will "ensure market access in almost every sector." The professional qualifications of doctors, nurses and other professionals will not be recognized immediately.
If British citizens spend more than 90 days in a six-month period in European countries, they will need a visa to travel to EU countries. They will be heavily checked at borders and their EU passports for pets will not be usable.
Following the agreement, the UK will become an independent coastal state, which means it can decide who can fish in British waters. EU boats can still fish in British waters for the next few years, but British boats will get 25 per cent of the value of the fish they catch.
The series will run for five-and-a-half years, after which Britain and the European Union will hold regular talks to move into each other's territory.
On the other hand, according to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Britain will no longer be bound by the ruling of the European Court of Justice while the UK will now have to apply for access to key databases and information.
In addition, the UK will not be part of the European Union's joint law enforcement agency Europol, but will be present at its headquarters.
Likewise, the UK will no longer be part of the Erasmus program for students from other EU countries.
However, during the 11-month transition period that will begin immediately, the UK will continue to abide by EU rules and will continue to provide funding to the EU. Some things will be exactly as they are, but some will change completely.
There will be seven major changes while seven things will remain unchanged; UK members will lose their seats in the European Union besides Britain will withdraw from all political institutions and agencies in the European Union and the European Court of Justice will continue to rule in legal cases.
The UK will not attend EU meetings as in the future, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be invited to attend a meeting of the European Council while British ministers will not be able to attend EU meetings.
The UK will negotiate trade with the rest of the world and set new rules for selling and buying goods as it could not hold formal talks with the United States and Australia being member of the EU. However, a trade agreement with the European Union is a top priority but it could only be enforced after the transition period is over.
The blue British passport will return after more than 30 years that was first used in 1921. The new color will be introduced over a period of several months and all new passports will be issued by the middle of the year.
About 3 million 50 pence commemorative coins will be issued from Friday, January 31, and will be marked "Peace, Prosperity and Friendship with All Nations".
On the day of Brexit, the team and organization that negotiated with the European Union and prepared for the "No Deal" will be closed. The Department for Exiting the European Union, a non-EU organization, was set up in 2016 by former Prime Minister Theresa May. The future negotiating team will now sit on Downing Street.
Germany will not extradite criminals to Britain as Germany's constitution does not allow its citizens to be extradited to any country other than the European Union.
On the other hand, flights, boats and trains will run as usual and British citizens will also have the freedom to stand in line with EU citizens on passport control while driving license and pet passport will remain in use as long as they are legally valid.
European Health Insurance Card can be used in all EU member states and in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein and will remain valid during the transition period.
For living and working in the European Union, freedom of movement will remain in transition so that British citizens can continue to work in the EU as they do now. Similarly, EU residents who want to live or work in the UK can do so.
The Britons living in the European Union will continue to receive their government pensions in the same way and will continue to receive an annual increase and the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget.
The U.K. has already suffered from Brexit. The economy has slowed, and many businesses have moved their headquarters to the EU --- impacting growth, trade, and jobs. Though Britain will enjoy some of the same benefits it did as a member of the EU. But leaving the EU's single market and customs union will undoubtedly have a negative impact for both the parties.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
