BBC News: What is the Withdrawal Agreement Bill?

The Withdrawal Agreement Bill, also known as the WAB, is a piece of legislation that outlines the terms of the United Kingdom`s exit from the European Union. The bill is a legal document that sets out the conditions for the UK`s departure from the EU, including arrangements for trade, immigration, and finance.

The WAB was first introduced in October 2019 and was revised following negotiations between the UK and the EU. It has been debated and scrutinized in Parliament, with MPs proposing amendments and changes to the bill before it can become law.

One of the key provisions of the WAB is the establishment of a transition period that would begin after the UK formally leaves the EU. This period would last until December 31, 2020, and during this time, the UK would continue to follow EU rules and regulations while negotiating a new trade agreement with the bloc.

The WAB also includes provisions for the protection of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU. The bill would allow EU citizens to continue living and working in the UK, provided they apply for and are granted settled status. UK citizens living in the EU would also be able to stay in their current location but would need to apply for residency documentation.

Another key aspect of the WAB is the financial settlement between the UK and the EU. The bill would require the UK to pay a « divorce bill » of around £30 billion to cover its financial obligations to the EU. The bill would also set out the arrangements for future financial contributions to EU programs and agencies.

The WAB has been a contentious issue in British politics, with many MPs arguing that the agreement does not go far enough in protecting the UK`s interests. However, the bill has now become law, and the UK formally left the EU on January 31, 2020, entering into the transition period outlined in the WAB.

In conclusion, the Withdrawal Agreement Bill is a significant piece of legislation that sets out the terms of the UK`s exit from the EU. It outlines the conditions for trade, immigration, and financial arrangements, as well as providing for the protection of citizens living in the UK and the EU. While it has been the subject of debate and disagreement in British politics, the bill has now become law, and the UK is on track to leave the EU at the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020.