The Phase 1 agreement of the Brexit negotiations meant that the UK and the EU had agreed in principle:
- EU citizens
- EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the rest of the EU have the right to stay. Rights of their children and those of partners in existing “durable relationships” are also guaranteed.
- UK courts will preside over enforcing rights over EU citizens in Britain but can refer unclear cases to the ECJ for eight years after withdrawal.
- Irish border
- Promise to ensure there will be no hard border and to uphold the Belfast agreement.
- UK, including Northern Ireland, will leave the EU Customs Union.
- Unclear how an open border will be achieved. If there is no solution, the UK will ensure “full alignment” with the rules of the EU Customs Union and Single Market.
- No new regulatory barriers will be allowed between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK without the permission of Stormont in the interest of upholding the Good Friday Agreement.
- Financial settlement
- Described the principles to calculate the bill but does not provide an amount.
- UK agreed to pay into the EU budget as normal in 2019 and 2020 and agreed to pay its liabilities such as pension contributions.
- Other issues
- Need for cooperation on nuclear regulation and police and security issues.
- Ensure continued availability of products on the market before withdrawal and to minimise disruption for businesses and consumers.