We represent completely different constituencies. Hove and Portslade on the south coast voted 70 per cent Remain in the 2016 EU referendum. In Sedgefield, in County Durham, the result was 60 per cent Leave. One a seaside resort; the other a former coal mining but still a heavily industrial area. One a marginal seat; the other steeped in the Labour tradition. Where we represent is also our home and we care deeply about the prospects of those around us.
For us to continue to promote the interests of our constituents, it is obvious to us we must move beyond the Brexit paralysis engulfing parliament and our country. The pursuit of compromise is now the top priority if we are to retain the integrity of our parliamentary democracy and unblock the Brexit log jam. If we do not achieve this, Brexit will continue to numb our senses to all else because to say “just get on with it” isn’t enough.
However, we believe there is a way through this stage of the Brexit morass.
We’ll tell you what’s true. You can form your own view.
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How Brexit will affect your travel to Europe
Show all 14
How Brexit will affect your travel to Europe
1/14 Passports
British passports that expire after 29 March 2019 will continue to be valid as UK travel documents, but will lose the power that comes with being a European Union passport – notably the right of free movement within the EU27.
UK passports issued from 30 March 2019 will have the words “European Union” removed from the cover and the first page (along with the translations into Welsh and Gaelic). But they will still be burgundy. By October 2019, new British passports will have dark blue covers
Getty
2/14 Pets
You will still be able to travel to the EU with your pet after Brexit, but it could well get more complicated depending on the status that the European Union decide to apply. If the UK is given “Part 2 listed status”, there would be some extra requirements for travelling pets and owners post-Brexit. “These would require an additional visit to the vet and some additional papers to be carried but would not prevent you from enjoying your trip,” says Eurotunnel.
But it adds that if the UK is given unlisted, third-country status, “owners who wish to travel with their pets from the UK to EU nations will need to discuss their specific preparations and requirements with an Official Veterinarian at least four months prior to their desired travel date
AFP/Getty
3/14 Eurotunnel/Eurostar
The Treaty of Canterbury between the UK and France governs the Channel Tunnel link and operations will continue – subject to any local disruption at Folkestone and/or Calais
AFP/Getty
4/14 Driving
Motorists, whether taking their own cars or hiring abroad, are likely to need to obtain an International Driving Permit or two; different EU countries are signed up to different treaties, so for a trip embracing Spain and France you would need both types.
These are currently sold from a limited number of Post Offices, but the government intends to make them widely available. The cost is £5.50 for each.
Motor insurance will no longer automatically extend to the EU. Insurers will provide on request a “Green Card”, for which an extra charge will be made
PA
5/14 Flights
Even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, flights will continue to operate between the UK and European Union.
However, in the event of the UK leaving with no deal, many flights are likely to be cancelled because departures would be capped at 2018 levels. As UK airlines have already announced thousands of new flights to Europe from the end of March 2019, some would have to be cancelled
Getty
6/14 Air routes
The network of flight links between Britain and eastern Europe could be affected by any reduction in the number of workers from those countries. Not only do they use the flights – so do their families and friends
PA
7/14 Flight disruption rights
Current European passengers’ rights rules, known as EC261/2004, stipulate high payouts for delays and cancellations that cannot be attributed to “extraordinary circumstances”. Buried in a document called Beyond the Horizon: The Future of UK Aviation, the government says “the UK will not fall below current standards of protection when we leave the EU”
AFP/Getty
8/14 Entry regulations to the European Union
From 11pm GMT on 29 March 2019, UK travellers will become “third-country nationals” when travelling to Schengen countries and subject to the standard rules of admission for citizens of nations such as the US, Japan and Australia. That means there must be at least 90 days (roughly three months) left on your passport beyond your intended date of departure.
Because third-country nationals can remain in the Schengen area for 90 days, the actual check carried out could be that the passport has at least six months’ validity remaining on the date of arrival
Getty
9/14 Online registration prior to travel – ETIAS
From 2021, non-EU nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area – including British travellers – will need to request prior authorisation to visit Schengen countries.
The Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is aimed at reducing the “migration, security or public-health risk” from nationals of visa-exempt third countries, which is what the UK will become after Brexit. It costs €7 for three years
AFP/Getty
10/14 ‘Brexit clauses’
A large number of travel providers – even including National Express coaches – have added “Brexit clauses” to their terms and conditions. These generally specify that they will not be liable for “consequential losses” as a result of Brexit-related issues
PA
11/14 ‘Fast track’ lanes for passport control entering EU countries
British passport holders will not be able to use them, and must join the queue for third-country nationals.
People holding an EU passport or ID card as well as a British passport will be able to exit the UK on the British passport but enter Europe on the EU document
Getty
12/14 Ferries
The ferry industry insists vessels will continue to sail. The UK Chamber of Shipping says: “Unlike the carriage of cargo, trade deals do not have a significant effect on the cruise and passenger ferry industry. The explicit standardisation of commodity codes and tariffs associated with trade deals have little relevance to holidaymakers.”
Having said that, the government and Kent County Council are planning for possible chaos at Channel ports because of a backlog of trucks in the event of a no-deal Brexit. This would impinge on holidaymakers’ plans
PA
13/14 European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The EU says: “If you fall ill or have an accident during a visit to another EU country, as an EU citizen you have the right to receive the necessary public healthcare in any EU country under the same conditions as people in the host country.” The EHIC also works in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Treatment, says the NHS, is “at a reduced cost or, in many cases, free of charge”.
From 11pm GMT on 29 March 2019, when the UK ceases to belong to the European Union, British travellers will have no automatic right to use the EHIC.
There is no certainty about what may replace it
PA
14/14 Mobile phones
From 30 March 2019, the law banning mobile phone firms from charging extra for calls and data in Europe will cease, though operators have yet to set out exactly what will replace it. In theory, mobile phone firms can impose whatever fees they think the market will bear.
But Dave Dyson, chef executive of Three, says his firm is “committed to maintain the availability of roaming in the EU at no additional cost following Brexit”
AFP/Getty
1/14 Passports
British passports that expire after 29 March 2019 will continue to be valid as UK travel documents, but will lose the power that comes with being a European Union passport – notably the right of free movement within the EU27.
UK passports issued from 30 March 2019 will have the words “European Union” removed from the cover and the first page (along with the translations into Welsh and Gaelic). But they will still be burgundy. By October 2019, new British passports will have dark blue covers
Getty
2/14 Pets
You will still be able to travel to the EU with your pet after Brexit, but it could well get more complicated depending on the status that the European Union decide to apply. If the UK is given “Part 2 listed status”, there would be some extra requirements for travelling pets and owners post-Brexit. “These would require an additional visit to the vet and some additional papers to be carried but would not prevent you from enjoying your trip,” says Eurotunnel.
But it adds that if the UK is given unlisted, third-country status, “owners who wish to travel with their pets from the UK to EU nations will need to discuss their specific preparations and requirements with an Official Veterinarian at least four months prior to their desired travel date
AFP/Getty
3/14 Eurotunnel/Eurostar
The Treaty of Canterbury between the UK and France governs the Channel Tunnel link and operations will continue – subject to any local disruption at Folkestone and/or Calais
AFP/Getty
4/14 Driving
Motorists, whether taking their own cars or hiring abroad, are likely to need to obtain an International Driving Permit or two; different EU countries are signed up to different treaties, so for a trip embracing Spain and France you would need both types.
These are currently sold from a limited number of Post Offices, but the government intends to make them widely available. The cost is £5.50 for each.
Motor insurance will no longer automatically extend to the EU. Insurers will provide on request a “Green Card”, for which an extra charge will be made
PA
5/14 Flights
Even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, flights will continue to operate between the UK and European Union.
However, in the event of the UK leaving with no deal, many flights are likely to be cancelled because departures would be capped at 2018 levels. As UK airlines have already announced thousands of new flights to Europe from the end of March 2019, some would have to be cancelled
Getty
6/14 Air routes
The network of flight links between Britain and eastern Europe could be affected by any reduction in the number of workers from those countries. Not only do they use the flights – so do their families and friends
PA
7/14 Flight disruption rights
Current European passengers’ rights rules, known as EC261/2004, stipulate high payouts for delays and cancellations that cannot be attributed to “extraordinary circumstances”. Buried in a document called Beyond the Horizon: The Future of UK Aviation, the government says “the UK will not fall below current standards of protection when we leave the EU”
AFP/Getty
8/14 Entry regulations to the European Union
From 11pm GMT on 29 March 2019, UK travellers will become “third-country nationals” when travelling to Schengen countries and subject to the standard rules of admission for citizens of nations such as the US, Japan and Australia. That means there must be at least 90 days (roughly three months) left on your passport beyond your intended date of departure.
Because third-country nationals can remain in the Schengen area for 90 days, the actual check carried out could be that the passport has at least six months’ validity remaining on the date of arrival
Getty
9/14 Online registration prior to travel – ETIAS
From 2021, non-EU nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area – including British travellers – will need to request prior authorisation to visit Schengen countries.
The Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is aimed at reducing the “migration, security or public-health risk” from nationals of visa-exempt third countries, which is what the UK will become after Brexit. It costs €7 for three years
AFP/Getty
10/14 ‘Brexit clauses’
A large number of travel providers – even including National Express coaches – have added “Brexit clauses” to their terms and conditions. These generally specify that they will not be liable for “consequential losses” as a result of Brexit-related issues
PA
11/14 ‘Fast track’ lanes for passport control entering EU countries
British passport holders will not be able to use them, and must join the queue for third-country nationals.
People holding an EU passport or ID card as well as a British passport will be able to exit the UK on the British passport but enter Europe on the EU document
Getty
12/14 Ferries
The ferry industry insists vessels will continue to sail. The UK Chamber of Shipping says: “Unlike the carriage of cargo, trade deals do not have a significant effect on the cruise and passenger ferry industry. The explicit standardisation of commodity codes and tariffs associated with trade deals have little relevance to holidaymakers.”
Having said that, the government and Kent County Council are planning for possible chaos at Channel ports because of a backlog of trucks in the event of a no-deal Brexit. This would impinge on holidaymakers’ plans
PA
13/14 European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The EU says: “If you fall ill or have an accident during a visit to another EU country, as an EU citizen you have the right to receive the necessary public healthcare in any EU country under the same conditions as people in the host country.” The EHIC also works in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Treatment, says the NHS, is “at a reduced cost or, in many cases, free of charge”.
From 11pm GMT on 29 March 2019, when the UK ceases to belong to the European Union, British travellers will have no automatic right to use the EHIC.
There is no certainty about what may replace it
PA
14/14 Mobile phones
From 30 March 2019, the law banning mobile phone firms from charging extra for calls and data in Europe will cease, though operators have yet to set out exactly what will replace it. In theory, mobile phone firms can impose whatever fees they think the market will bear.
But Dave Dyson, chef executive of Three, says his firm is “committed to maintain the availability of roaming in the EU at no additional cost following Brexit”
AFP/Getty
The result of the 2016 EU referendum set parliament a challenge. How to translate the answer to the question asked into a workable Brexit? Will the Brexit devised since then match the promises made?
After two years of negotiation, the prime minister has brought before the House of Commons a plan to leave the EU. The proposed withdrawal agreement is, to say the least, controversial. Particularly within the Conservative Party. But the prime minister’s deal, in whatever form it eventually takes, will define Brexit. The question remains, however: is it what was promised?
Even if parliament decides it was, we believe that to leave the decision to 650 MPs and the unelected House of Lords smacks of the accusation of elitism levelled against politicians during the referendum campaign. The right and proper step to take is for MPs and the Lords to approve the prime minister’s deal followed by a confirmatory vote of the British people.
We believe this process started with the people and should end with the people.
Our grave concern is that, if the withdrawal agreement does not win parliamentary approval and we are faced with a no-deal Brexit – something parliament has also voted against – the prospects would be economically and politically dire. It would also be reckless to accept the withdrawal agreement without the approval of the British people.
There would be recriminations for years to come if people thought they were taken on a journey they did not desire or endorse, because the implementation of the withdrawal agreement and the subsequent negotiations on the future relationship with the EU will not be the end of Brexit but only the beginning. At the same time, the unilateral revocation of Article 50 by parliament would also quite rightly be seen as a democratic travesty.
Compromise is needed. Therefore, as MPs who campaigned to remain in the EU in 2016, we are prepared to facilitate the passage of the prime minister’s deal through all its stages in parliament if the deal is to be put to the people for a final decision.
There is a precedent for this. The Good Friday Agreement, quite rightly a central concern of the EU withdrawal negotiations, was implemented after a confirmatory vote of the electorate on both sides of the Irish border.
We propose an amendment to the withdrawal agreement making any public vote on the deal legally binding, so the vote would be final. There wouldn’t be the best of three, or even five referendums. Whatever the result, that would be it. Either the withdrawal agreement would be implemented or Article 50 revoked.
The question posed would be a choice between the withdrawal agreement, as passed through both houses of parliament, and membership of the EU on existing terms. Article 50 would need to be extended to accommodate the exercise, but it seems to us that is going to happen anyway.
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We have come to the conclusion that facilitating the passage of the withdrawal agreement through parliament would be the best way forward for the country. MPs would also be able to find their own way through the morass. Whether they are Leave or Remain supporters, we should come together in a way that is respectful of their constituents, their beliefs and their parties. Our compromise would also allow them to campaign during a public vote in line with their conscience.
Time is running out and the people should be allowed to have a final say on whether they want to go ahead with Brexit in full possession of the facts – facts that were not available in 2016 because the withdrawal agreement had not been negotiated.
We believe a confirmatory vote would give the British people ownership of the decision, one way or the other. If the people accept the withdrawal agreement and want to pursue Brexit as outlined in the agreement, then so be it. We would accept their decision. Likewise, if they have looked over the precipice and prefer not to jump, that too should be accepted.
The British people may believe Theresa May’s deal is the way forward. They may not. But they need to be asked and we are willing to compromise to find out their answer.
Phil Wilson is Labour MP for Sedgefield and Peter Kyle is Labour MP for Hove and Portslade
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The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Minds. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates.