SWB Brexit Bulletin – 26 April 2019

April 26, 2019

Welcome to this week’s Brexit bulletin to keep you up to date with plans and preparations relating to the EU Exit.

On Wednesday 10 April EU leaders collectively agreed to grant an extension of Article 50 until 31 October 2019, although the UK will be able to leave the EU before this date if a Withdrawal Agreement is passed and ratified.

How was the extension secured?

The Prime Minister asked for an extension until the end of June, allowing the UK to avoid taking part in the European Parliament elections which begin on 23 May. Ultimately, a compromise of six months was reached.

Key milestones in the next six months

12 April: Deadline to sign up to European Parliament elections
2 May: English local elections
23 May: European Parliament elections
30 June: EU Council summit takes place
31 October: Deadline for the UK to leave the EU in absence of further extension or revocation of Article 50

‘No deal’ planning

The legal default remains that the UK will leave the EU on 31 October, whether or not a deal has been agreed and ratified.

All NHS Trust Chief Executives received a letter from Professor Keith Willett, EU Exit strategic commander, on Thursday 11 April advising Trusts to stop ‘no deal’ provisions being enacted from Friday 12 April but that they should be kept on hold.

We have therefore stepped down our daily reporting although we continue our necessary preparations for a no deal outcome with adjusted timescales.

Toby Lewis, Chief Executive, continues as our Senior Responsible Officer for the EU Exit so if you have any queries or concerns please contact him at tobylewis@nhs.net