Industry voices called to give evidence in first economy-wide consultation of post-Brexit trading arrangements

In a UK first, an economy-wide consultation has been launched to gather evidence on the biggest issues facing all industries in the post-Brexit landscape and as the UK Government negotiates new trade agreements.

With the UK economy rocked by a pandemic, supply chain disruption and an energy crisis, businesses across all sectors are also struggling to overcome the added challenges created by the post-Brexit trading environment.

Recent estimates suggest that UK GDP is 5.5% smaller today than if Brexit had not happened, while this week it was revealed that the UK’s departure is directly responsible for a shortfall of 330,000 EU workers, with the figure as high as 8% in some industries. 

Now, a landmark consultation by the cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission spanning the entirety of the UK economy will seek to address these issues and put the challenges facing each sector at the heart of a new trading framework for the decade ahead. 

This framework, which will include short term and long term recommendations, will be submitted to Ministers, with the Commission pressuring the UK Government to both adopt the proposals and commit to action to help the UK’s industries.

With the UK economy coming under increased strain despite the Government’s recent post-Brexit trade deal announcements, this new trading framework will also propose new guidelines for future trade negotiations to ensure opportunities do not come at the cost of existing British industries.

Since forming in 2021, the Commission has already made a difference, securing 10,000 new seasonal visas for agricultural workers last year and collaborating with US lawmakers in finding solutions to the continued impasse over the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Commission has hosted more than 30 evidence sessions involving over 200 witnesses. Now they want to hear from voices representing every sector of the economy.

Written evidence can be submitted to the UK Trade and Business Commission through the easy to use online portal here.

Peter Norris, co-convener of the UK Trade and Business Commission, said: 

“The Commission has a track record of taking evidence on the acute challenges facing businesses, proposing workable solutions and pressing those in power to take action.

“This landmark, economy-wide consultation offers businesses and industries a valuable opportunity to make themselves heard and reshape the UKs trading framework for the decade ahead.”

Hilary Benn MP, co-convener of the UK Trade and Business Commission, said: 

“It is clear that Brexit and its subsequent trade deals have created many more problems for UK businesses than opportunities. 

“This consultation will enable the day-to-day experience of British firms to influence proposals for a new trading relationship. We are looking not only for answers to immediate problems but also ideas for future trade agreements which can create opportunities for both established and new British export businesses.”