It’s been a sobering week. One defined by uncertainty and concerns as the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus continues to increase. We’ve also had the first budget since 2018, which we explain in further detail plus other updates on the EU-UK trade negotiations. Have a good weekend and take care of yourself.
In Politics
Budget
UK Shared Prosperity Fund is still lacking in details
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayor to be elected
The new Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP presented his budget to Parliament this week. As noted by Esther Webber at the Times, this is the first budget since Philip Hammond in 2018. The House of Commons Library has a summary here. One of the key things to look out for was news about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The UKSPF is the mechanism designed by the Government to replace EU funding civil society has received. Civil society has been waiting since July 2018 for developments on the scheme which has been limited. The budget did mention the UKSPF. Sadly it merely mentioned that it will replace the EU structural funds and stated that they will set out further details at the Comprehensive Spending Review.
There was no mention of the value of the fund, methods of distribution, or the consultation. The sector has been waiting a long time for information and the end of EU funds draws ever closer. The CSR is due to conclude in July 2020 meaning that there is yet more waiting for information on the fund. In more positive news about UKSPF, Equally Ours have published their shared principles for the UKSPF and are encouraging organisations to sign up. You can find them and sign up here.
Among the numerous things announced there was an increase in the immigration health surcharge from £400 to £624 with a new ‘discounted rate’ of £470 for children. Sanitary products have been zero-rated for VAT from 1st January 2021.
Important to note was the announcement of an agreed deal between the Government and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. You can read the full deal details here. This creates a new metro mayor, due to be elected in May 2021 and a new devolution deal, importantly with a new power base and powers. Organisations should keep an eye on this as effective lobbying of metro mayors can pay dividends.
In Policy
Rights after Brexit: what will change?
We publish our report into rights after Brexit
Covers EU and UK citizens’ rights during the transition period and what may change after
We have just launched our report ‘Rights After Brexit: What Will Change?’ by Kathryn Sturgeon. The report covers the changes to EU and UK citizens' rights, such as workers rights, benefits, voting, and travel, through the transition period and then the implications the future relationship may have on these rights.
Read our report, and download a copy, on our website here.
First week of negotiations
Negotiation update lacking in details
Paul Blomfield MP asking for better scrutiny
Gove was questioned by select committee but gave little reassurance on protection of rights and standards
At the beginning of the week, Michael Gove MP provided a written statement to the House of Commons updating on the negotiations of the future relationship between the EU and UK. It was a short statement, available here, that leaves much to be desired when it comes to openness, accountability and scrutiny.
There is little that is unexpected in it. They outline that there are significant differences between the EU and UK on issues such as fisheries and the Level Playing Field. More on these differences here by the Institute for Government. Disappointingly they say that there were ‘substantive discussions’ but give no detail as to what happened in them.
Paul Blomfield MP, Shadow Minister for Exiting the EU, wrote to Michael Gove MP outlining his concerns about the lack of proper scrutiny due to the Government's approach. It will be interesting to see what reply Gove sends. Read Blomfield’s letter here.
Michael Gove was also in front of the European Union Select Committee this week. He was answering questions on what is next for the future relationship and the ongoing negotiations. Of note in his answers is that he said there is no point in divergence for the sake of divergence and more also reiterated the UK’s desire to not be subject to the European Court of Justice or other European authorities. This does not clarify whether the UK intends to regress on rights and standards after the transition period. Note that face-to-face talks which were to take place in London next week but has been called off as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, with officials exploring possible alternatives, such as video-conferencing. A spokesman for Johnson also said the transition period will not be extended even with possible disruptions due to the virus.
Recommended Reading
The House of Lords should soon have a dedicated Sub-Committee (under the umbrella of the Lords EU Committee) to consider international agreements - including the new UK-US Trade Agreement and a proposed new agreement with Japan. More info here.
How can the devolved administrations influence the negotiations? More info here
Have you been asked to provide proof of your status under the EU settlement scheme (EUSS)? If so, the Public Law Project invites you to participate in our survey on EUSS status checks and the impacts of digital-only status. Survey available here.
Which? Information on the coronavirus and your rights here