The temperatures tell us winter is almost here even if tempers have been heated and hot air has been circulating around Westminster in recent times. While seasonal change may be afoot, we now know that an election is going to take place on Thursday 12 December and political change is inevitable: although at this stage also totally unpredictable, despite what our political leaders would say about their particular party's prospects. For some this is about the usual topics of the economy, health, education and justice that we expect at all elections. For others it is purely about Brexit. There is now an agreement between the EU and the UK negotiated by the current Prime Minister which began its legislative journey in Westminster but came to a rapid stop in the voting lobby over the timetable. It is doomed to be either the life and soul of any approaching Christmas party, or will be the elephant in the room nobody wants to talk to. It is a brave commentator who will be willing to predict where we will be politically on Friday 13 December.

So where does that leave business? Uncertainty remains. We have another extension until 31 January 2020, probably, so business should use it wisely, to ensure it is as well prepared as possible to deal with whatever is thrown at it: the difficulties and the opportunities. We all have to plan ahead. Whether an agreement is reached and implemented or a no deal Brexit occurs, whether deliberately or by accident, the world has to keep turning and we have to be as ready as possible. 

We are working across all the sectors of the firm to help support our clients whatever awaits us all. We are taking a broad view across all areas to assess what it all means for their different interests.

Use the interactive timeline below to see how the Brexit road map has unfolded so far. You can also read about the Brexit related issues facing business, real estate, the public sector, individuals and families as detailed by our legal experts.