MAKING A SUCCESS OF BREXIT FOR THE WHOLE ECONOMY BEN DIGBY INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR, CBI

Transcription

1 MAKING A SUCCESS OF BREXIT FOR THE WHOLE ECONOMY BEN DIGBY INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR, CBI

2 The CBI s consultation process across the country CBI s business parliament 13 councils 850 companies 85% outside the FTSE sectoral associations 31/01/2017 2

3 and across the whole economy Agriculture Aviation Chemicals & Plastics Construction Creative Industries Education Energy Financial Services Food & Drink Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism Housing & Real Estate Life Sciences Manufacturing Professional & Business Services Retail Technology Transport, Distribution & Logistics Utilities & Environmental Services 31/01/2017 3

4 We have six principles for the negotiation A barrier-free relationship with our largest, closest and most important trading partner A clear plan for regulation that gives certainty in the short-term, and in the long-term balances influence, access and opportunity A migration system which allows businesses to access the skills and labour they need to deliver growth A renewed focus on global economic relationships, with the business community at their heart An approach that protects the social and economic benefits of EU funding A smooth exit from the EU, avoiding a cliff-edge that causes disruption 31/01/2017 4

5 Barrier free access to the EU market The EU s place as the UK s most important trading partner should be the cornerstone of these negotiations The new UK-EU trading relationship should be as comprehensive as possible, covering both goods and services across the economy The new UK-EU trading relationship should be as open as possible, covering tariffs and non-tariff barriers across every sector

6 A clear plan for regulation Government must address the practical challenges that come with removing the UK from EU systems and jurisdiction, giving businesses clarity and stability The UK s regulatory systems will need to remain harmonised with the EU s many areas to provide ease of trade, but business should be widely engaged in mechanisms for long-term cooperation There are long-term opportunities for domestic flexibility but as these depend on the UK-EU deal, government should focus on opportunities available to it now

7 Migration It should be an immediate priority for the government to secure a reciprocal agreement on the status of EU nationals in the UK It is important that the new migration system accepts the need for non-graduate migration to the UK The UK s new migration system should be open, flexible, and easy particularly for high-skilled employees

8 Trade A deliberate strategy is needed to promote the UK s openness and reputation as a place to work, invest and trade A firm partnership between business and government will help make the most of opportunities to boost international trade, both in the short-term and the long-term There must be a plan in place for the continuity of international regulations as the UK leaves the EU

9 EU funding In the short-term, further clarification is urgently needed for funds that have not yet been allocated and the future of the UK s involvement in collaborative projects Government should explore continued participation in EU funding programmes where suitable alternatives are not available In the long-term, work will have to take place at the domestic level to establish priorities for investment in the areas currently covered by EU funding

10 Transition The government should avoid the many complex effects of a cliffedge in a no deal scenario through temporary interim arrangements if necessary An implementation period after the UK leaves is needed to ensure companies and government can adjust to changes Clear expressions of openness to sensible measures to smooth Brexit should be made as soon as possible to give businesses more confidence to invest

11 Partnership - Continued close engagement between Government and businesses in every sector Opportunity Taking opportunities available now to improve UK competitiveness Evidence Taking account of the full consequences of all decisions.

12 Any questions?