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Short extension to Brexit as withdrawal agreement is set to enter yet another critical week

22 March, 2019
Posted by: William Barns-Graham
Trade News

This article was published before we became the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade on 10 July 2024, and this is reflected in references to our old brand and name. For more information about us becoming Chartered, visit our dedicated webpage on the change here.

brexit westminster

A new timeline has been set for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU following late night talks around an extension to Article 50. If the House of Commons votes to pass the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement, the UK will leave the EU on May 22nd; if they reject her deal for a third time, the UK will have until April 12th to offer an alternative solution to the withdrawal crisis, or face leaving without a deal.

In essence, this means that April 12th is the new March 29th. What would happen in the event of Theresa May’s deal being rejected for a third time remains unknown, with the prospects of indicative voting in Parliament, a second referendum, a general election and the default of a no-deal all on the table. A petition to parliament for revoking Article 50 has reached just under 3 million signatures at the time of writing.

Brexit uncertainty is rife – but here’s what you can do

Brexit uncertainty continues to impact on businesses’ ability to plan in the short and medium terms, especially in relation to their exports and supply chains.

The Institute continues to advise companies to learn the key export skills and customs procedures that would be required to sell into Europe in the event of a no deal, and which are required for selling into many markets beyond the EU anyway.

2 weeks remain to get grant funding for training in key customs processes

The government’s funding towards training that enables businesses to complete customs declarations, and therefore to export compliantly whatever come may, will expire in two weeks’ time. Companies have until April 5th to apply for the grant funding, which can be used against several of the Institute’s courses.

This funding can be used for courses beyond the April 5th deadline however.

Fundable courses with the Institute of Export & International Trade