If you like fast tractors you will already know that category t5 tractors, described above, are subject to a roadworthiness regime which derives from European legislation. This is changing and the Department for Transport has just begun a short consultation on the details. As fascinating as these vehicles may be for some (Jeremy Clarkson excepted), the critical point here for me was the very clear statement about the UK continuing to comply with EU legislation made by Transport Minister John Hayes MP (who voted in favour of leaving the EU) in the foreword to the consultation:

On 23 June, the EU referendum took place and the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Until exit negotiations are concluded, the UK remains a full member of the European Union and all the rights and obligations of EU membership remain in force.

We can expect to see very similar statements in future consultations from any Government department – be that Treasury, Business, Transport or anything else – dealing with changes and amendments to existing EU legislation as it applies in the UK and while we are still part of the EU.

Who knows if it is mere coincidence that the language of the Minister’s second sentence above is remarkably close to this phrase:

Until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this.

The source of this is a joint statement, released on the morning of the result of the UK EU referendum, and made by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Mark Rutte, Holder of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission.

Written by Alistair Kinley, director of policy and government affairs