The withdrawal agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union is a complex document that outlines the terms of their separation. One of the key issues in the negotiations was the establishment of a customs union between the UK and the EU. A customs union is an agreement that allows countries to trade with each other without the need for tariffs or customs checks.
So, does the withdrawal agreement include a customs union? The short answer is no. The agreement does not establish a customs union between the UK and the EU. Instead, it provides for a transition period during which the UK will continue to be part of the EU`s customs union until the end of 2020. This means that during this period, the UK will continue to apply EU rules on customs and trade.
However, the withdrawal agreement does include a backstop arrangement that would come into effect if a customs union cannot be agreed upon by the end of the transition period. The backstop would ensure that there would be no hard border between Northern Ireland (which is part of the UK) and the Republic of Ireland (which is part of the EU). This would involve the UK remaining in a customs union with the EU until a permanent solution can be found.
The issue of a customs union has been a contentious one in the Brexit negotiations. Supporters of a customs union argue that it would help to maintain frictionless trade between the UK and the EU, which is vital for businesses and the economy. However, opponents argue that it would restrict the UK`s ability to negotiate its own trade deals with other countries.
In conclusion, while the withdrawal agreement does not establish a customs union between the UK and the EU, it does provide for a transition period during which the UK will continue to be part of the EU`s customs union. The backstop arrangement would ensure that there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if no permanent solution can be found. The issue of a customs union remains an important one in the ongoing Brexit negotiations and is likely to be the subject of further debate and discussion in the coming months.