Brexit
reset: five business leaders on how they’d like relations with the EU to change
Rachel
Reeves has spoken of a reset in EU relations. Here, experts in everything from
music to farming explain what they hope it will mean
Guardian
staff
Sat 14 Dec
2024 05.00 GMT
Earlier this
week, the UK chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said she was hoping talks in the new
year could lead to an extensive “reset” of post-Brexit relations.
The remarks
were seized on by leave supporters who fear a betrayal of the referendum vote,
while others argue Reeves won’t go nearly far enough.
The Guardian
asked experts in several sectors affected by Brexit what they want from the
EU/UK summit due in 2025.
Music and
the arts: ‘We need to resolve Brexit disaster’
UK Music
chief executive Tom Kiehl
“UK
musicians and their crew previously found it easy to play a concert in Paris
one night and Amsterdam the next, yet since Brexit this has all changed.
“The
increased bureaucracy, costs and complexity of touring the EU have now put the
UK music industry at a competitive disadvantage compared with other European
countries. The ability for young and up-and-coming artists to nurture their
craft and hone their skills across the UK’s biggest music market has been dealt
a huge blow over the last few years in particular.
“A new deal
would tackle with the absence of a specific settlement for musicians in the
original EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement.
“A bespoke
deal could offer a number of solutions, including a visa-waiver agreement for
creators on short term visits, as well as enabling some UK cultural workers to
stay in the Schengen area market for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.
“Other
pieces of red tape, such as carnets for equipment and restrictive cabotage
rules could also be addressed in a bespoke UK-EU cultural touring agreement.
“The music
industry is worth £7.6bn to the economy, but the ability of the sector to grow
this figure, as well as its impressive export revenues, which have increased by
15%, will be severely damaged if urgent action is not taken in resolving
music’s Brexit disaster.”
Horticulture:
‘Brexit has caused delays and damage … a reset is vital’
Jennifer
Pheasey, director of public affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association
(HTA)
“The UK
environmental horticulture sector depends on importing plants, trees, seeds,
and other products — worth over £770m annually — from the EU.
“Post-Brexit
border operations have created delays, damage, and excessive bureaucracy,
driving up costs and limiting consumer choice. Resetting UK-EU relations is a
vital step toward addressing these issues.
“A plant
health agreement based on mutual recognition would offer a long-term solution.
However, the government must acknowledge the existing damage and the time
required to rebuild supply chains and trading relationships. Comprehensive
oversight of trade policies — spanning Northern Ireland trade, GB plant
passport regulations, and CITES requirements – is urgently needed within the
government. Without coordinated action, the sector faces growing friction,
higher costs, and reduced competitiveness, hindering green growth and impacting
consumers.
“We would
like to see Rachel Reeves deliver an ambitious reset and expedite action on the
current border situation, which will reduce trade friction, boost
competitiveness, and support sustainable growth. Swift action is essential to
prevent further disruption and secure a stronger future for the sector.”
Farmers: ‘We
need to reduce friction at the border’
Tom
Bradshaw, president of the NFU, which represents 46,000 farming and growing
businesses
“We welcome
the government pursuing a relationship between the UK and the EU that enables a
better trading position with the aim of reducing friction at a time of global
instability.
“In the
short term, it is vital the government continues to address issues where they
exist relating to the implementation of the border operating model and the
continued ban on high quality British products to the EU such as seed potatoes.
“As
like-minded partners, the EU and the UK have a great opportunity to continue to
cooperate on issues such as animal welfare, plant health and contribute to
common challenges such as the rise of antimicrobial resistance, spread of
zoonotic diseases and biodiversity loss.”
Business:
‘UK needs to put in hard yards’
Sean
McGuire, Confederation of British Industry director for Europe and
international
“We welcome
the UK government’s commitment to take meaningful action to ‘reset’ the EU-UK
relationship. The chancellor’s meeting with EU finance ministers is an
important milestone on this journey.
“Further
action on regulatory co-operation, progress on mutual recognition across
different areas, and a reduction in customs and administrative burdens are just
some of the areas of focus that can boost business confidence and make the most
of our trading relationship with the EU.
“By putting
in the diplomatic ‘hard yards’ now, the government can start the process for
unlocking the untapped potential of our trading relationship with the EU as
part of its focus for delivering sustainable growth.”
Chilled
food: ‘A reset could offer significant benefits’
Phil Pluck,
chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation
“Smoother
customs processes, reduced paperwork, and greater access to skilled labour
would all contribute to a more efficient and resilient supply chain.
“However,
any new arrangements must prioritise the specific needs of the cold chain
sector. This includes maintaining seamless cross-border movement of
temperature-controlled goods and safeguarding the integrity of the chilled and
frozen food supply.
“We urge
Rachel Reeves to advocate for a comprehensive trade deal that addresses our
industry’s unique challenges and opportunities, such as a veterinary agreement
and a wholesale reduction of the red tape and fees that have damaged
businesses.
“This could
be achieved by creating a trusted trader scheme allowing those operators to run
smoothly through ports and therefore preserving the safety and integrity of
chilled and frozen goods which in turn allows current resources to focus on
illegal trade.”
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