FCDO Minister for the European Neighbourhood Wendy Morton said:
With the signing of the historic UK-EU trade agreement completed the UK Government affirms its unwavering support for all of our Overseas Territories (
OTs).
Under the Withdrawal Agreement, legislation will also come into effect at the end of the transition period to implement the Protocol and to safeguard the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus. Practical and technical discussions will continue to ensure the smooth operation of the Protocol.
The UK, in lockstep with the Government of Gibraltar, has held extensive discussions with Spain regarding Gibraltar’s future relationship with the EU. All sides recognised the challenging nature of this process at the outset of talks. Although an agreement has not yet been reached, we are continuing our discussions with Spain in order to safeguard Gibraltar’s interests, and those of the surrounding region. In addition, we are also working closely with the Government of Gibraltar
Brexit: Withdrawal Agreement To Be Fully Operational On 1 January 2021 Date
17/12/2020
The EU-UK Joint Committee met virtually today to endorse all formal decisions and other practical solutions related to the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, as of 1 January 2021. It follows an agreement in principle reached by the Joint Committee co-chairs – European Commission Vice-President Maroš ŠefÄoviÄ and the UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove – on Tuesday, 8 December 2020.
The Withdrawal Agreement, and the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland in particular, will now be implemented on 1 January 2021. This means delivering on our overarching objective to protect the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, thereby maintaining peace, stability and prosperity, as well as preserving the integrity of the EU s Single Market.