It's clearer than ever that Brexit has failed let's not inflict its miseries on young people | Zoe Williams
Young people overwhelmingly opposed Brexit but were largely ignored by politicians. They faced challenges from Brexit to the pandemic and societal expectations. [ more ]
EU and UK citizens: share your views on a resumption of freedom of movement for the young
The European Commission proposed a youth mobility scheme for EU and UK citizens aged 18-30, allowing up to four years of stay in the destination country. [ more ]
Brussels proposes return to pre-Brexit free movement for UK and EU young people
The European Commission proposed negotiations for free movement for 18- to 30-year-olds post-Brexit, potentially eliminating visa restrictions and benefiting youth exchanges. [ more ]
Shutting the door on free movement of young people is a mistake | Letters
The rejection of the EU's offer for free movement for young people has negative implications for cultural exchange and opportunities for British youth in continental Europe. [ more ]
Mayor calls on ministers to prevent post-Brexit border checks leading to Eurostar cap
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is urging the government to address potential issues with post-Brexit red tape and avoid chaos in the Eurostar service.
HS1 has raised concerns about inadequate planning for the new EU biometric Entry/Exit System checks at St Pancras station, which could lead to delays and service disruptions. [ more ]
The Guardian view on customs borders: Northern Ireland deal highlights broken Brexit promises | Editorial
Brexit was meant to be a one-off event but has turned into an ongoing process
The proposed changes to Northern Ireland's trading arrangements and the health certification for EU food imports illustrate the perpetual nature of Brexit [ more ]
Macron attacks sending migrants to Africa, days after UK passes Rwanda bill
Macron criticizes migration policies sending immigrants to African countries as a betrayal of European values, warns against over-dependence on other countries for security and trade. [ more ]
Sadiq Khan launches 8.7m scheme to support London's small businesses
London mayor Sadiq Khan's Grow London Local initiative is expanding to cover all boroughs by the end of February.
The scheme aims to provide one-stop support for small businesses, helping them access finance, marketing, social media, and business development. [ more ]
Northern Ireland to get new Brexit trade rules in deal to restore power sharing
New rules have been announced to smooth post-Brexit trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland as part of a deal to restore the Stormont executive.
The measures remove routine checks on goods from Great Britain destined for Northern Ireland and replace them with a UK internal market system for goods remaining within the UK.
The command paper also includes legislative measures to affirm Northern Ireland's constitutional position in the UK and promises to amend domestic law so that EU laws will not automatically apply. [ more ]
Starmer can't dodge the Europe question for ever. In office, the economy will answer it for him | Martin Kettle
The Labour government's approach to Europe under Keir Starmer may focus more on the economy than geopolitical factors, with a gradual and nuanced shift rather than a drastic one. [ more ]
Even Europe's far-right firebrands seem to sense Brexit is a disaster | William Keegan
Brexit has negatively impacted the UK's economy, causing disruptions in exports, supply lines, and staff shortages, while receiving criticism even from rightwing politicians. [ more ]
The Guardian view on Gibraltar: a deal with the EU is long overdue | Editorial
Brexit veterans Cash and Francois engage in retro talks over Gibraltar post-Brexit status. Political climate shifts may lead to a deal before the European Commission change. [ more ]
Briton and French wife face 11,000 Brexit visa bill to return home to UK
British man with Parkinson's disease and his wife, a French national, face post-Brexit immigration rules preventing them from returning to the UK.
The couple's decades of work and tax contributions in the UK were nullified by new immigration regulations requiring a five-year residency prior to Brexit. [ more ]
Brexit has made the UK a lower-status nation, says David Miliband
Brexit has diminished UK influence globally, necessitating stronger ties with the EU for foreign policy.
The UK needs to reverse its decision on separate foreign policy with the EU, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and coordination in shared areas. [ more ]
Italian man removed from UK despite post-Brexit Home Office certificate
A man holding a Home Office certificate was removed from the UK despite his right to travel while his application to live and work in the country post-Brexit was being processed.
The man's removal contravenes the withdrawal agreement between the EU and the UK, causing distress and hardship for him and his partner. [ more ]
Theresa May, Former U.K. Prime Minister, Won't Stand in Next Election
Theresa May is leaving Parliament after 27 years as a lawmaker due to feeling unable to represent her voters effectively, Conservative Party facing challenges in upcoming elections. [ more ]
The Brexit bill: 100bn hit to UK exports as toy and jewellery sales slump
Brexit is resulting in a loss of almost 100bn in annual UK exports, leaving the economy worse off than if it had remained in the EU.
Businesses producing sporting goods, toys, jewelry, and medical equipment have been particularly affected by border costs imposed by Brexit, leading to a 30% decrease in trade between 2020 and 2023 compared to if the UK had stayed in the EU. [ more ]
Who in Europe is affected by the UK's new Brexit border checks on goods?
Post-Brexit border checks on goods arriving from Europe finally come into effect in the UK, affecting food, plants, and some animal products.
Goods are classified based on risk, with low-risk items exempt from systematic controls and high-risk items requiring health or phytosanitary certification. [ more ]
Rishi Sunak admits he has failed on pledge to cut NHS waiting lists UK politics live
Kezia Dugdale, the former Scottish Labour leader, admitted to voting for the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the 2019 European elections as a protest against Brexit.
Dugdale's defection from Labour to the SNP in that election highlights the party's electoral humiliations and the ongoing divide over Scottish independence within the Labour party. [ more ]
Penury and decay mark Brexit's miserable anniversary | William Keegan
Brexit has resulted in the UK facing trade barriers and a squeeze on public spending, while the government prioritizes tax cuts over relief for local authorities.
The reduction in central government grants to councils is to blame for their financial struggles, not supposed profligacy. [ more ]
New Northern Ireland Brexit trade rules approved paving way for power sharing
The UK government's latest post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade arrangements have been approved by MPs, paving the way for power-sharing to restart at Stormont.
The changes could see Stormont back up and running as soon as Saturday, with Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill potentially becoming the first nationalist politician to hold the role of first minister. [ more ]
No 'red flags' in deal aimed to restore powersharing in Stormont, says Leo Varadkar
Irish and EU officials will have questions about the British government's deal regarding checks on goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar sees no red flags in the deal so far, but emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the Good Friday Agreement and ensuring no hard border between North and South. [ more ]
Post-Brexit controls on food and farm imports start
Health certificates are now required on EU goods imported to Britain, including meat, fruit, and vegetables.
Some industry bodies are concerned about potential delays and increased costs, while others believe the new rules will help UK farmers be more competitive. [ more ]
Minister brushes off Brexit checks as price you pay for being sovereign state again'
Health Minister Dame Andrea Leadsom dismisses concerns of UK small business owners regarding increased costs at the UK/EU border as a consequence of Brexit.
Leadsom suggests that businesses could adapt to the changing environment by considering changing their trading arrangements with the EU or seeking opportunities elsewhere. [ more ]