Professor Colin Harvey of Queen's University Belfast School of Law considers the post-Brexit challenges for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has always been, and remains, a ‘special arrangement’. The changes in the leadership of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) do not alter the basi
Brexit
The UK government has reportedly told the European Commission that it has unilaterally breached the Northern Ireland Protocol because of circumstances beyond its control. In a 20-page letter in response to EU legal proceedings, the UK has suggested that it will rely on force majeure to explain its i
The European Union is to take legal action today against the UK over its unilateral attempt to change the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, RTÉ News reports. The European Commission will issue legal proceedings in a letter to the UK government, after its decision earlier this month to u
The presidents of the UK's three law societies will set out their ongoing response to Brexit at an event early next month. The briefing has been organised by the UK Law Societies' Joint Brussels Office and will explore the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and what this means for UK qualified so
A new category of membership has been created for the UK to preserve its standing in the Council of European Bars and Law Societies (CCBE) after the end of the Brexit transition period. Fears that the UK delegation would be relegated to a lower status have been allayed with the announcement of 'affi
A fresh legal challenge will see judges in Belfast asked to rule on whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson acted in bad faith and for improper purpose in relation to Brexit. An anonymous litigant is seeking a declaration that the prime minister's decision to sign the Withdrawal Agreement and Northern
Daniel Wincott, Blackwell professor of law and society at the University of Cardiff, explores the impact of Brexit on devolution across the UK. Brexit has exposed the underdeveloped and fragile aspects of devolution in the UK. Devolved governments’ relationships with London are strained. The a
Thorntons' Gurjit Pall has urged Scottish businesses to apply for a Home Office sponsor licence as the Brexit transition period draws to a close – to ensure they can still access the best overseas talent. “With the new rules looming, employers should consider applying for a sponsor
The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against the UK for breaching its obligations under the Brexit deal. A letter of formal notice has been sent to the UK for a response by the end of October, after which the Commission may issue a reasoned opinion.
An article has been published by Professor Colin Reid of Dundee University on the effect of Brexit on environmental governance across the UK. The abstract states: "The UK’s withdrawal from the EU will not bring about immediate changes to the substance of environmental law in the UK,
Amal Clooney has resigned as the government's envoy on media freedom over suggestions the UK government intends to break parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement. She said in a letter to foreign secretary Dominic Rabb that she was "dismayed to learn that the government intends to pass legislati
Irish barrister Paul McGarry SC explores the opportunities for Irish lawyers following the UK's exit from the EU. The sabre-rattling by the UK government over the Northern Ireland Protocol has again brought the debate about the future arrangements between the EU and the UK into sharp focus. But no m
A legal expert has warned against the Scottish government's plan to hand powers currently held by the EU to ministers after the Brexit transition period. Aileen McHarg, professor of public law and human rights at Durham University, has raised concerns over the proposals and recommends that powers sh
Stephen Phillips discusses the UK government's Brexit blueprint in relation to policing trade between the different parts of the UK. Last month the Westminster government set out its blueprint for policing trade between different parts of the UK after the post-brexit transition period ends on 31 Dec
The Constitution Secretary has outlined to MSPs how the UK government’s plans for a post-Brexit internal market would "threaten high standards and a range of devolved policies". Giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Constitution Committee, Michael Russell said the Scot