These documents set out our approach to our future
relationship with the European Union.
“The Future Relationship with the EU” document lays out a
suite of proposals for our negotiations with the EU. The
draft legal texts are the legal articulation of this approach
and have formed the basis of discussions with the EU.
The main element of our approach is the comprehensive Free
Trade Agreement, or FTA, covering substantially all trade. We
have also proposed a separate agreement on fisheries that
will take back control of our waters, as is our right as an
independent coastal state; an agreement on law enforcement
and judicial cooperation in criminal matters to help protect
the public and bring criminals to justice; and agreements in
technical areas covering aviation, energy and civil nuclear
cooperation which will help ensure continuity for the UK on
its new footing as an independent sovereign nation.
We are seeking the type of agreement which the EU has already
concluded in recent years with Canada and other friendly
countries. Our proposal draws on previous EU agreements such
as the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement, the EU/Japan
Economic Partnership Agreement and the EU/South Korea Free
Trade Agreement. And it is consistent with the Political
Declaration agreed last October, in which both sides set the
aim of concluding a ‘zero tariffs, zero quotas’ Free Trade
Agreement.
Our approach is based on friendly cooperation between
sovereign equals. Our offer represents our clear and
unwavering view that the UK will always have control of its
own laws, political life and rules. Both parties will respect
each other’s legal autonomy and the right to manage our own
borders, immigration policy and taxes.
We believe that our approach and proposals are fair and
reasonable. This government is committed to establishing the
future relationship in ways that benefit the whole of the UK
and strengthen the Union.
