Rights After Brexit: What Will Change?

First written on 11 March 2020, we have now updated our report on Rights after Brexit: What Will Change? which can be found below.

26 August 2020

Please see end for version history.


“Exit day” has passed and the UK is no longer in the European Union. So far, other than moving onto the next stage in negotiations, not a lot seems to have changed. In our report, below, the Brexit Civil Society Alliance explores what the immediate impact on your rights is now and what to expect after the transition period. 

Amongst others we consider the following questions: 

  • The rights for EU and UK citizens to live, work and receive social benefits across the EU. 

  • The right to vote as an EU citizen in the UK or a GB citizen living in the EU.

  • Restrictions on travelling for individuals, pets and assistive animals. 

  • The future of mutual recognition of driving licenses. 

  • What to expect in relation to workers’ rights previously grounded in EU law. 

  • The future of the Human Rights Act. 

  • The legal impact of losing the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. 

Whilst many rights do not change during the transition period, from 1 January 2021 those previously based in EU law will be sourced in domestic legislation and may be replaced or amended by the UK government. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights has been explicitly excluded from our laws and will immediately cease to apply after the transition period. Whilst the tangible impact is as yet unclear, there is no doubt that this will lead to a substantive change in the legal protections for individuals.  

The future of other rights, such as travelling and voting, will be determined by the agreement between the UK and the EU in relation to the future relationship and bilateral agreements with individual member states. We highlight what is likely to happen and where changes may occur. As these are complex political negotiations and set in the wider context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it is possible that no agreements will be made in which case these rights will be at a bare minimum after the end of the transition period. 

We will be actively monitoring any progress and provide updates accordingly. To be the first to receive these updates please sign up to our newsletter or get in touch to join the Alliance


Version History

v1. 11 March 2020

v2. 18 June 2020 - updated in light of the Covid-19 global pandemic, and developments relating to access to benefits.

v3. 3 August 2020 - updated regarding voting rights

v3 (1) 26 August 2020 - updated regarding travel with pets.