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British MPs have rejected, for the third time this Friday, the treaty of withdrawal of the European Union negotiated by the government of Theresa May, opening the way for an exit without agreement on April 12.
By 344 votes against 286, the British deputies rejected, again this Friday, the agreement of withdrawal of the European Union concluded between London and Brussels, on November 13th. Among the scenarios that are now emerging, that of an exit without agreement, a "no deal" on April 12, seems most likely. A brutal departure whose consequences are multiple and sometimes disturbing.
■ A mountain of paperwork
One of the first consequences of a "no deal" is the accumulation of administrative documents on the offices of British companies. Thousands of companies importing or exporting to the UK should learn to fill out new customs declarations and may be subject to new taxes. Four out of five companies say they are ready for this eventuality and two-thirds have already taken steps in this direction, according to a survey published by the Bank of England on March 21.
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London has also announced the establishment of a system of protected geographical indications for food products such as Scottish whiskey or Stilton cheese, so far recognized by European labels.
■ The risk of a return of roaming charges
One of the first visible consequences for UK and European consumers will be telephony. In the summer of 2017, the European Union has put an end to roaming charges on its territory, that is to say that we can use - to a certain extent - a foreign mobile network without additional cost. This could change in case of a "no deal" for travelers crossing the Channel or the Irish border.
Same risk at the banking level: the use of payment cards should involve additional costs, while the procedures will be "slower", says London. In the EU, investment bank clients based in the UK will no longer be able to use their financial services. Many institutions have set up subsidiaries in the continent to avoid these disruptions.
■ A shortage of drugs ... and sperm ?
The lack of drugs in case of "no deal" has been feared for several months. Usually, the United Kingdom has three months of stocks but the authorities had to increase the reserves to benefit from six weeks of additional provisions. A transition period is planned during which the country, having left the European Medicines Agency, will continue to recognize European tests and opinions.
A less raised question so far, but one that will arise in a United Kingdom separated from the European Union: that of sperm reserves. London will no longer be able to call on European sperm banks and will have to forge new international partnerships.
■ Quotes expected in transport
That would be automatic: in case of exit in agreement this April 12, the European and British airlines would lose the automatic right to operate flights between the EU and the United Kingdom. To avoid chaos in the air, but also under the Channel with the Eurostar, temporary traffic permits could be granted.
British citizens traveling to the European Union will also be subject to enhanced controls and their stays limited to 90 days.
■ More expensive packages
British consumers who are used to order online could have a bad surprise: their fees should increase because parcels delivered from the continent could no longer claim a reduced VAT.
■ License validity questioned
Finally, with a brutal exit from the Union, Britons on holiday in Europe may also have to obtain an international driving license because their " could no longer be valid ".
(with AFP)