Following the announcement on 10 February 2021 that the EU is seeking an extension to the provisional application of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), to give time for the completion of ratification procedures (see item above), the Chair of the European Union Committee, Lord Kinnoull, has written to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, asking the following:

• What is the Government’s position on the EU’s request for an extension of provisional application, and what factors will it take into account?
• Can the Partnership Council, which will decide on the EU’s application, meet if the UK has not appointed its co-Chair?
• Will the Government nominate the UK co-Chair of the Partnership Council in time to allow that body to consider the EU’s request, before provisional application comes to an end on 28 February?

On 17 February 2021 it was announced that Lord Frost CMG had been appointed as a Minister of State in the Cabinet Office. Lord Frost is the Prime Minister’s Representative for Brexit and International Policy. It was also reported in the media that Lord Frost would replace Michael Gove as co-Chair of the Partnership Council established under the TCA. To access the Committee’s letter in full, click here. To read the press release announcing Lord Frost’s appointment as a Minister of State, click here.