THE main features of the Future Framework plan published by the UK Government include:

  • A free trade area in goods, based on a “common rulebook” of regulations necessary for frictionless movements across borders, which will require the UK to commit by treaty to ongoing harmonisation with EU rules. This is seen by London as a solution to the Irish border issue
  • Continued UK participation in and financial contributions to European agencies covering areas like chemicals, aviation safety and medicines

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  • A facilitated customs arrangement, removing the need for checks and controls between the UK and the EU and allowing differing UK and EU tariffs on goods from elsewhere in the world to be paid at the border, removing the need for rebates in most cases
  • New arrangements for services, giving the UK freedom to set its own rules and recognising the UK and EU “will not have current levels of access to each other’s markets”
  • A new system for financial services, which will not replicate the EU’s passporting regime
  •  Continued co-operation on energy and transport, a “common rulebook” on state aid and commitments to maintain high standards of environmental and workplace protections
  •  “Mobility” rules ending automatic freedom of movement, but allowing UK and EU citizens to travel without visas for tourism and temporary work and businesses to move staff between countries
  • A security deal allowing continued UK participation in Europol and Eurojust
  •  Annual negotiations on access to fishing waters and the sharing of fish stocks
  •  Co-operation on protection of personal data, continued use of the EHIC health insurance card and accords on shared programmes in science, culture, education and space