Draft, draft and draft again

  • UK should resolve ECB financial issues

  • Draft now demands simple administration for citizens

The FT had this out a bit earlier but it's hitting the main wires now. They've even got the full draft here.

Here's the key points being raised in the headlines;

"8.The right for every EU citizen, and of his or her family members, to live, to work or to
study in any EU Member State is a fundamental aspect of the European Union.
Along with other rights provided under EU law, it has shaped the lives and choices of
millions of people. Agreeing reciprocal guarantees to safeguard the status and rights
derived from EU law at the date of withdrawal of EU and UK citizens, and their
families, affected by the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the Union will be the first
priority for the negotiations. Such guarantees must be comprehensive, effective,
enforceable and non-discriminatory. Citizens should be able to exercise their rights
through smooth and simple administrative procedures.

9. Also, the United Kingdom leaving the Union will impact EU businesses trading with
and operating in the United Kingdom and UK businesses trading with and operating
in the Union. Similarly, it may affect those who have entered into contracts and
business arrangements or take part in EU-funded programmes based on the
assumption of continued British EU membership. Negotiations should seek to
prevent a legal vacuum once the Treaties cease to apply to the United Kingdom and,
to the extent possible, address uncertainties.

10. A single financial settlement - including issues related to the European Central Bank
(ECB), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Development Fund
(EDF) - should ensure that the Union and the United Kingdom both respect the
obligations undertaken before the date of withdrawal. The settlement should cover all
commitments as well as liabilities, including contingent liabilities."

The thing is, I don't see the UK putting up brick walls over these citizen conditions as it's not in either sides interest to do so. What the UK wants/needs is to limit migration that's not beneficial to the country or economy. On things like skilled jobs I will guarantee that there will be very few, or minor, limitations for folks going both ways across the channel for work.