The UK government has today published its White Paper detailing its proposal for the future relationship between the UK and the EU. The short section on civil judicial cooperation echoes the aims set out in the government's Framework for the UK-EU Partnership published on 13 June (as outlined here).
The White Paper recognises the benefits of civil judicial cooperation for both the UK and the EU, including that it gives businesses legal certainty in the event of disputes and makes them more confident trading across borders. It says, uncontroversially, that the future relationship between the UK and the EU should protect these advantages.
The paper reiterates the government's intention to seek to participate in the Lugano Convention post-Brexit, noting however that "while the UK values the Lugano Convention", some of its provisions have been overtaken (a reference, no doubt, mainly to the stronger protections for exclusive jurisdiction clauses under the recast Brussels Regulation) and it is limited in scope. It adds that the UK is keen to explore a new bilateral agreement with the EU, which would cover a coherent package of rules in civil, commercial, insolvency and family matters.
Key contacts
Disclaimer
The articles published on this website, current at the dates of publication set out above, are for reference purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action.