15 March 2019

This week there were several votes in Parliament affecting the process by which the UK plans to exit the EU. First, MPs overwhelmingly voted to reject the Prime Minister’s deal, followed by a narrow vote to reject no-deal. Yesterday, MPs overwhelmingly voted to request an extension on Article 50.

This request would now need to be put to the EU with the delay envisaged to last until 30 June 2019, if it is clear that the Prime Minister may be able to get support for her deal in Parliament. If it becomes clear no such support is forth-coming, the delay may be much longer.

So how does this affect citizens’ rights?
The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route will close to new applications from 29 March 2019 and be replaced by a new ‘Innovator’ route. The new route will require an investment of £50,000, a significant reduction from the £200,000 required of most applicants under the current Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route.

Whilst no-deal was rejected in Parliament, it is still the default position if another deal (the Prime Minister’s one or a revised one) is not agreed. In the event of a no deal, EU citizens would still be allowed to move to the UK after the official withdrawal date (29 March, 30 June or another date as may be agreed) until 31 December 2020, however they would be required to apply for a thee-year permission after which they will need to meet the requirements of the new immigration system due to take effect from 1 January 2021.

What happens next?
Although the Prime Minister’s deal was rejected for a second time, it appears it may still be put to a vote for a third time. However, as MPs debate the next steps in the Brexit process, the uncertainty felt by businesses and individuals wishing to plan for the future, continues. Laura Devine Solicitors will continue to bring you the latest developments as they happen.

Brexit Services
We offer a wide range of Brexit-related services, including seminars, Brexit ‘surgery’ sessions and detailed briefings providing advice to businesses and employees. If you would like to know more about how we can help your business prepare for Brexit, please contact your usual LDS lawyer or EUenquiries@lauradevine.com.