On 15 January 2019, the UK House of Commons voted to reject the Brexit deal that had been signed off by both the UK and EU27 negotiators at the political level. Following an amendment passed by the Commons last week, the UK Government now has to confirm next steps by Monday 21 January 2019 – this is an accelerated time table to that expected which (under the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018) required the Government to respond within 21 days. This timing will stand given that the UK Government was successful in rejecting the vote of no confidence held last night, 16 January.
Responding to the result, A&O partner Daniel Shurman said: "The rejection of the Brexit deal by the UK House of Commons ramps up the uncertainty faced by business as regards the future state of the UK’s relationship with the EU27. The UK Government is obligated to outline its proposed next steps by Monday 21 January. All businesses can do is continue to implement their hard Brexit contingency plans to ensure they are prepared for any outcome on 29 March 2019.
"Due to the vote, clients will continue to spend time, money and resources in contingency planning, rather than developing their businesses. The end game is uncertain, but we’re continuing to support our clients on the legal implications and the implementation of their contingency plans."
