Before we get lost in details, let's recall the status of this text
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The version that was circulated yesterday is not the final and definitive version.
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It contains a number of points that require further discussion (most notably the length of the extension to transition)
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3/
However, it has become public as the signing parties felt their negotiators had done enough to warrant a preliminary check on their approval of the text
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At this moment, the only part of that approval we have is that of the UK Cabinet: we still await the sign-off of the EU27, which will take a week
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5/
Once that happens, then we move to the signing of the finalised text, which will become the definitive version
(Worth checking v.closely for changes)
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(Worth checking v.closely for changes)
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After that, everyone (UK, EU Council, European Parliament) has to then ratify it
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And it's only after those steps have all been done and copies are deposited that we have an actual, legally-binding agreement that means something
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8/
So basically we still have a long road to navigate on this
/end
/end
