Government’s Brexit plans “paused”

Yesterday evening MPs voted to block Boris Johnson’s plan to fast-track his Brexit deal through Parliament in time for 31 October. Despite MPs approving the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement on its first hurdle through the House of Commons, the defeat on the fast-tracking of the deal led the PM to pause the Brexit process.

The Government, as requested by Parliament, asked the EU for an extension until 31 January 2020 and following Donald Tusk’s comments in the media, it would appear that his recommendation for the EU27 would be to accept the UK’s request for an extension. Media reports appear to suggest that the PM will push for a General Election for early December should the EU grant an extension to January in a bid to overcome the Brexit impasse.

It therefore appears as though Brexit date will no longer be 31 October and therefore free movement in its current form will continue. Our advice for employers and individuals still remains the same – applications under the EU Settlement Scheme are encouraged for EU nationals and their family members.