Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement: What You Need to Know

The Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement was a pivotal moment in the history of Brexit negotiations. Named after the former leader of the Conservative Party, the agreement outlined the UK`s plan for leaving the European Union. Here`s everything you need to know about the agreement and its impact.

What is the Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement?

The Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement is a document that outlines the UK`s plan for leaving the European Union. It was named after Michael Howard, who served as the leader of the Conservative Party from 2003 to 2005 and was a key supporter of Brexit.

The agreement was first proposed in 2018 and included several key provisions, such as:

– A transition period lasting until December 2020

– A financial settlement of at least £35-£39 billion to settle the UK`s outstanding obligations to the EU

– A framework for protecting the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU

– A commitment to maintaining an open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

What Impact Has the Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement Had?

The Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement has had a significant impact on the Brexit negotiation process. It was one of the key documents that led to the eventual agreement between the UK and the EU in 2019.

One of the most contentious issues in the negotiations was the Irish backstop, which aimed to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement included a provision for an open border, which ultimately became the basis for the Northern Ireland Protocol in the final agreement.

The financial settlement outlined in the agreement was also a major sticking point in the negotiations. The final amount agreed upon was in the range of £33 billion, which was less than the initial proposal but still substantial.

Perhaps the most significant impact of the Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement was its role in securing the approval of the UK Parliament. The agreement was put to a vote three times, and each time it was rejected. However, the fourth time it was presented to Parliament, it was approved.

What`s Next for the Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement?

The Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement is now in effect, and the UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020. However, the agreement is still subject to ongoing negotiations and implementation.

One of the key challenges going forward will be implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol, which has already proven to be a contentious issue. The UK and the EU will need to work together to find a solution that satisfies all parties.

Overall, the Michael Howard Withdrawal Agreement was a critical moment in the Brexit negotiation process. While it faced significant opposition, it ultimately paved the way for the UK`s departure from the EU and provided a framework for future relations between the two entities.