Today saw the government introduce its Brexit White Paper, a 12-point plan to take us out of the EU. But what are the points and how will they affect us going forward. This afternoon Brexit minister, David Davis was taking questions in parliament about the plan, but there were many MPs who were disappointed with the lack of time given to have a proper debate.

They included many Labour MPs who voiced their disappointment over the release date of the detail that they have been calling for, since the leave vote last year.

The 12-point plan

“1. Providing certainty and clarity - Proving clarity and certainty of what the government are doing for Britain within negotiations.

2. Taking control of our own laws – Bringing an end to the jurisdiction of the Courts of Justice of the EU within the UK.

3. Strengthening the Union – We will secure a deal that works for the entire UK – Making sure that Scotland, N. Ireland and Wales get the best deal, securing our relationship with the Union.

4. Protecting our strong and historic ties with Ireland and maintaining the Common Travel Area – Ensuring our historical ties with Ireland are maintained and practical solutions to maintenance of the Common Travel Area.

5. Controlling immigration – Ensuring that Britain has control over who crosses our borders.

6. Securing rights for EU nationals in the UK, and UK nationals in the EU – ensuring that the state of EU nationals is secured for those already living in the UK and securing the Britons who live within the EU.

7. Protecting workers’ rights – Workers rights to be protected and improved.

8. Ensuring free trade with European markets – Aiming to create new ambitious free trade agreements with the EU, and to create mutually beneficial custom arrangements.

9. Securing new trade agreements with other countries – Aiming to deliver the best and most ambitious free trade agreements globally.

10. Ensuring the UK remains the best place for science and innovation – Remaining top nation for science research and innovation is a priority.

11. Cooperating in the fight against crime and terrorism – The government will continue to work with the rest of Europe to preserve security and fight terrorism.

12.

Delivering a smooth, orderly exit from the EU - The government is seeking a phased process of implementation, where both the EU and the UK prepare for a new relationship."

Questions raised

David Davis’s responses to the questions were general avoidance of the questions, he even mustered anger when it was pointed out that the plan doesn’t mention EU nationals already living in the UK, when it does. The 77-page document released today, just before parliament left little time for ministers to read and analyse what the detail entails. But above is the overview of that document and more detail will slowly emerge.

For instance, it mentions that the Great Repeal Bill, announced in parliament on the 10th October 2016, will begin the process of removing the European Communities Act 1972.

This means that in the future, the government of the day could remove or add any rules pertaining to worker’s rights. In theory, it would allow the government to remove worker’s rights to paid holiday etc. The danger is that this government could use it to deregulate the markets and create a tax haven within Britain.

The other issue is why wasn’t this published last year, when Labour, Lib Dems, SNP etc. plus many leave and remain supporters have been calling for it. Why the day after the article 50 vote? This was a political game played by the Tories and our nation’s future is at stake with a questionable plan at best, more details will follow.