Earlier this week, British Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she hoped negotiations in the new year could produce a deal. vast “reset” post-Brexit relations.
The remarks were echoed by Brexit supporters who fear a betrayal of the referendum vote, while others say Reeves will not go far enough.
The Guardian asked experts from several sectors affected by Brexit what they expect from the EU/UK summit planned for 2025.
Music and arts: “We must resolve the Brexit disaster”
Tom Kiehl, Managing Director of UK Music
“It used to be that British musicians and their teams found it easy to play a concert in Paris one night and Amsterdam the next, but since Brexit, everything has changed.
“The increased bureaucracy, costs and complexity of touring in the EU now puts the UK music industry at a disadvantage compared to other European countries. The ability of young, emerging artists to develop their craft and hone their skills in the UK’s largest music market has suffered a major blow in recent years in particular.
“A new agreement would address the lack of specific regulations for musicians in the original EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
“A tailor-made agreement could offer a number of solutions, including a visa waiver agreement for creators making short-term visits, as well as the possibility for some UK cultural workers to remain in the Schengen area market for more than 90 days in a 180 day period. .
“Other administrative formalities, such as equipment logs and restrictive cabotage rules, could also be addressed as part of a bespoke UK-EU agreement on cultural travel.
“The music industry is worth £7.6 billion to the economy, but the sector’s ability to grow this figure, as well as its impressive export earnings, which have increased by 15%, will be seriously damaged if measures urgent matters are not taken. solve the musical disaster of Brexit.
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 relies on the importation of plants, trees, seeds and other products – worth more than £770 million a year – from the EU .
“Post-Brexit border operations have created delays, damage and excessive bureaucracy, increasing costs and limiting consumer choice. Resetting the UK-EU relationship is a vital step towards resolving these issues.
“A phytosanitary agreement based on mutual recognition would offer a long-term solution. However, the government must recognize the existing damage and the time needed to rebuild supply chains and trade relationships. Comprehensive oversight of trade policies – covering Northern Ireland trade, UK plant passport regulations and CITES requirements – is urgently needed within government. Without coordinated action, the sector faces increasing friction, higher costs and reduced competitiveness, hampering green growth and impacting consumers.
“We would like to see Rachel Reeves undertake an ambitious reset and accelerate action on the current border situation, which will reduce trade frictions, boost competitiveness and support sustainable growth. Swift action is essential to avoid further disruption and ensure a stronger future for the sector.
Farmers: “We must reduce friction at the border”
Tom Bradshaw, president of the NFU, which represents 46,000 agricultural and growing businesses
“We welcome the Government for pursuing a relationship between the UK and EU enabling a better trading position with the aim of reducing friction at a time of global instability.
“In the short term, it is essential that the Government continues to address issues relating to the implementation of the Border Operating Model and the continued ban on high quality British products to the EU, such as seedlings. potatoes.
“As like-minded partners, the EU and UK have a great opportunity to continue to cooperate on issues such as animal welfare and plant health and contribute to common challenges such as the rise of antimicrobial resistance, the spread of zoonotic diseases and the loss of biodiversity. »
Businesses: “The United Kingdom must implement difficult projects”
Sean McGuire, Confederation of British Industry Director for Europe and International
“We welcome the UK Government’s commitment to taking significant steps to ‘reset’ the EU-UK relationship. The Chancellor’s meeting with EU finance ministers is an important step in this journey.
“New measures in regulatory cooperation, progress in mutual recognition in different areas and a reduction in customs and administrative burdens are just some of the areas of intervention that can strengthen business confidence and leverage make the most of our trade relations with the EU.
“By launching tough diplomatic steps now, the Government can begin the process of unlocking the untapped potential of our trade relationship with the EU, as part of its efforts to ensure sustainable growth. »
Refrigerated foods: ‘A reset could offer significant benefits’
Phil Pluck, CEO of the Cold Chain Federation
“Smoother customs processes, reduced paperwork and better access to a skilled workforce would all contribute to a more efficient and resilient supply chain.
“However, any new arrangements must prioritize the specific needs of the cold chain sector. This includes maintaining the smooth cross-border movement of temperature-controlled goods and safeguarding the integrity of the refrigerated 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 deal and a comprehensive reduction in red tape and fees that have harmed businesses.
“This could be achieved by creating a system of reliable traders allowing these operators to move smoothly through ports and thus preserving the safety and integrity of chilled and frozen products, which would allow current resources to focus on trade illegal.”