MPs have now backed the option of seeking “alternative arrangements” to replace the Irish \u201cbackstop\u201d in Theresa May’s Brexit plan.<\/p>\n
The controversial element of Mrs May’s original plan agreed with the EU in November 2018 is the so called \u201cinsurance policy\u201d to prevent checks on goods and people passing through the Northern Ireland\u2019s border. According to its critics, this would effectively keep the UK inside the EU’s customs union with Northern Ireland also conforming to the single market.<\/p>\n
To be noted that this was one of the main reasons as to why Ms May\u2019s Brexit deal was voted down in Parliament by a historic margin earlier in January as critics worry that a different status for Northern Ireland could pose an existential threat to the United Kingdom and fear that the backstop might become permanent.<\/p>\n
Settled and pre-settled status for EU nationals and their families<\/strong><\/p>\n Although there is still a great deal of uncertainty, EU nationals and their family members will be required to apply for settled and pre-settled status after Brexit.<\/p>\n If you are an EEA national, you and your family will be able to apply under the EU settlement scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. If your application is successful, you\u2019ll receive either settled or pre-settled status.<\/p>\n The EU settlement scheme will open fully on 30 March 2019. The deadline for applying will be 30 June 2021.<\/p>\n The deadline for applying will however be 31 December 2020 if the UK were to leave the EU without a deal.<\/p>\n