After a tumultuous year in the world of politics, Brexit will remain firmly at the top of the agenda in 2020 as Boris Johnson seeks to finalise Britain’s departure from the European Union.
While 2020 is undoubtedly a crunch year for the Prime Minister, next year will see more than just further political change.
Here is what to expect in 2020.
– Brexit
Following Mr Johnson’s crushing election victory, the Government intends to end Britain’s EU membership on January 31, with an implementation to run to the end of 2020 while it negotiates a free trade agreement with Brussels.
The Bill is expected to be given Royal Assent in the new year, paving the way for the UK to leave the EU by the January 31 deadline.
Mr Johnson inserted a clause in the Bill that would legally prohibit his Government from extending the transition period beyond 2020.
– Another royal wedding – and what next for Andrew?
After a year dubbed the Queen’s second annus horribilis, the royal family will be looking to put 2019 firmly behind them as they prepare for a royal wedding and milestone birthdays in 2020.
Princess Beatrice is getting ready to marry while the Duke of York turns 60, the Princess Royal 70 and the Duke of Edinburgh 99.
Andrew has been called on by lawyers for Epstein’s alleged victims to give a statement to the American authorities while it remains to be seen whether he will take part in the Trooping the Colour celebrations for the Queen’s official birthday in June.
– Grenfell inquiry
The second phase of the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire is due to begin in 2020.
The inquiry is investigating a list of issues and was split into two phases – the first of which focused on the factual narrative of events on the night of June 14 2017.
Phase two of the inquiry will focus on the remainder of the list of issues, including the construction and design of the tower block, and hearings are expected to begin in the early part of 2020, following which the final report will be published.
Meanwhile, the LFB will see a new commissioner take the helm in January, as Andy Roe replaces Dany Cotton.
Mr Roe has said his main priorities as commissioner for the new year include making improvements to the culture and leadership within the brigade, and delivering the Grenfell Inquiry report recommendations in full.
– General election for Ireland
Ireland is expected to hold a general election in 2020.
Fine Gael leader and Irish premier Leo Varadkar currently heads a minority government, propped up by a confidence-and-supply parliamentary voting deal with Fianna Fail which will end at the election.
– Coronation Street turns 60
One of Britain’s most popular soap operas will be celebrating a milestone in 2020 as Coronation Street turns 60.
The programme, created by Granada Television, first aired on ITV on December 9 1960 and is now broadcast six days a week.
– The return of Elle Woods and another Disney remake
2020 looks set to be another stellar year for Hollywood blockbusters, with a third Legally Blonde film set to hit cinema screens.
Reese Witherspoon is due to reprise her role as talented law student Elle Woods, 19 years after the original movie was released in 2001.
Both Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde were box-office successes, with the first raking in 141 million US dollars (£108 million) while the second grossed 124 million dollars (£95 million).
It follows successful adaptations of classics including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.
– Tokyo Olympics and Euro 2020
The Tokyo Olympics are set to be the highlight of the sporting calendar in 2020, with Great Britain’s medal hopes resting with an array of rising stars.
Meanwhile, England will be looking to secure their first major football trophy in over half a century as the Euro 2020 campaign culminates at Wembley on July 12.
