The UK government needs to stop hiding behind nebulous concepts such as equivalence and actually engage with what is needed to support exports across all sectors to our nearest large market. theguardian.com/business/2021/…
By now it should be obvious that Free Trade Agreements with the promise of zero tariffs do not of themselves provide a sufficient framework for supporting exports particularly of food and drink. Because of regulatory and customs checks, and much more besides.
There's also a deeper conversation to be had about the UK economy, given the loss of free trade and free movement. That's not to adopt a 'we're doomed' attitude, but to point out that change is inevitable. Is anyone in government planning for this beyond gimmicry?
The UK government is demonstrably still fighting the Brexit war, to attack the EU and please their Brexit ultra supporters. Meanwhile at an operational level companies are suffering, and yelling 'equivalence' at the EU doesn't help.
Time we changed the record and moved on as a country. But with the government playing the populist card and the opposition leader too afraid to touch the issue there's only a certain amount those of us who want to move on can do.
Business can help to move on. The work of the @UKTradeBusiness Commission involving MPs and business provides a good forum for raising the issues. But ultimately we need the political leadership. Until that happens our trade will suffer. /
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