Briefing: Brexit and UK construction law: past, present and future

Abstract

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, widely referred to as ‘Brexit’. However, the country is currently in the transition period and remains a participant in the EU customs union and single market, with the majority of EU law continuing to be applicable. Furthermore, the UK government’s aim is a trade and economic partnership and free trade agreement with the EU. Therefore, knowledge of the EU’s development, institutions and sources of law remains relevant to civil engineers. The EU–UK political declaration incorporates provisions significant to the UK and EU construction industries, including workers’ rights, environmental protection, ending the freedom of movement of people between the EU and the UK, integrated supply chains and the intention of the UK to accede to the World Trade Organization government procurement agreement. This briefing outlines the expansion of the EU and the UK’s joining the EU. The EU’s institutions, sources of law, former supremacy of European Community law and the Brexit process are explained, along with the terms ‘EU customs union and single market’ and ‘free trade agreement’.