Countdown to Brexit

At 11:00 p.m. U.K. time on 29 March 2019 the United Kingdom is expected to leave the European Union (“BREXIT Day”). The below timeline sets out milestones in the lead up to BREXIT Day, and thereafter. Please note that there is some uncertainty about the timing of certain milestones (which are at this stage indicative only).

Brexit Timeline

28 February 2018
The European Commission publishes the draft Withdrawal Agreement, which remains subject to ongoing negotiation between the United Kingdom and EU27.

14 March 2018
European Parliament publishes a resolution on priorities for, and concerns about, the final deal.

19 March 2018
The European Commission publishes the latest draft of the Withdrawal Agreement.

23 March 2018
The European Council adopts new draft guidelines on the framework for the future EU-U.K. relationship.

March 2018
The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill finishes its Committee stage in the House of Lords.

End of March 2018
End of Phase 2 negotiations: EU-U.K. outlining the agreement on transition/implementation arrangements.

May/June 2018
The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill finishes its House of Lords stages, and proposed amendments pass to the House of Commons (and vice versa – so-called “Parliamentary ping pong.”).

May/June 2018
U.K. Parliament due to pass the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.

31 October 2018
Expected end of EU-U.K. negotiations on withdrawal, and publication of the draft “Withdrawal Agreement” and political declaration on “Framework for the Future Relationship.”

October – November 2018
Agreement in principle in the European Council and request for European Parliament consent to approve the “Withdrawal Agreement” and “Framework for the Future Relationship.”

The House of Commons and House of Lords vote on both agreements.

November 2018 – December 2018
The Withdrawal Agreement and Implementation Bill introduced to the House of Commons.

November – December 2018
European Parliament due to vote on the Withdrawal Agreement.

March 2019
Withdrawal Agreement due to be concluded by the European Council acting by a qualified majority.

March 2019
Withdrawal Agreement and Implementation Bill passed (assuming Bill must be passed before exit to provide the necessary legal framework for transition/implementation period).

Withdrawal Agreement ratified by United Kingdom in accordance with the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.

29 March 2019
The United Kingdom will leave the European Union, unless BREXIT is reversed or some other timing is agreed between the European Union and United Kingdom.

30 March 2019
Transition/implementation period due to begin. The United Kingdom continues to meet with other countries’ government officials about future trade relationships.

May 2019
European Parliament (MEP) election. United Kingdom continues to negotiate trade arrangements with the European Union and other countries.

By end of 2019
New European Commissioners in place.

31 December 2020
Transition period ends (unless extended by agreement between European Union and United Kingdom).

1 January 2021
Earliest possible date upon which any EU-U.K. future trade arrangement could enter into force. The United Kingdom may also implement any other trade agreements to which it has agreed with other countries (unless there is agreement between the United Kingdom and European Union otherwise).

2021 and onwards
United Kingdom implements free trade agreements with the European Union, United States, Australia, India and numerous other countries.

May 2022
U.K. General Election.

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