UN & the UK
Just Fair has published a discussion of the UN’s oversight of the UK’s approach to economic and social rights in 2016, considering the UK’s potential actions and future reviews of the UN for 2017.
Evaluation of UK’s international obligations
Charles Falconer has written an article in The Guardian decrying Theresa May’s intentions to leave the ECHR at a time when populism is rising and human rights are threatened.
UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU
Reportedly the UK will seek a US-style deal to access Europe’s crime fighting agency after Brexit has been finalised and the Government wants British officials to remain based in The Hague in Europol’s headquarters.
Professor Steve Peers has written a piece critiquing the report published by pro-Leave group ‘Change Britain’ detailing the alleged £24bn worth of benefits that would come from a hard Brexit, arguing that the economics are flawed.
In her New Year message, Theresa May has reassured those who voted for Britain to stay in the EU, stating that she will fight for their interests and calling for unity. However, Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron has referred to these as merely empty words given her previous hardline approach.
In the wake of Sir Rogers’ resignation, Tory MP Peter Lilley has accused many UK diplomats to the EU of trying to keep Britain in the EU, rather than negotiating for its exit.
Sir Tim Barrow has replaced Sir Ivan Rogers as ambassador to the EU.
Lord Wallace of Saltaire has claimed that Foreign Office civil servants are “in despair” about Boris Johnson’s approach to Brexit, for example his alienation of other EU foreign ministers.
Reportedly Theresa May is planning a major speech in which she will say that the Government will give up membership of the single market if it cannot secure a satisfactory deal on immigration and border controls.
The Norwegian Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, has stated that Britain does not have the key skills for successful trade talks following its long EU membership, and its lack of negotiating experience may therefore lead to a “very hard Brexit”.
Tory moderates and backbenchers are urging Theresa May to set out her stance on the single market and customs union in more detail or risk losing their backing.
No Comments