WIREDGOV

Invest in the civil service to deliver successful Brexit and domestic reform, says FDA.

Responding to Prime Minister Theresa May's speech on Brexit made yesterday, FDA General Secretary Dave Penman said: "The Prime Minister has set out an ambitious agenda for Brexit negotiations, which will necessitate a complex free trade agreement, new immigration controls, new devolved powers and, in some respects, phased implementation. She recognised the broad scope of these negotiations, which cover areas such as security, fisheries, agriculture, scientific research, border controls and of course trade. At the same time she set out her vision for the reform agenda that her Government will pursue.

"This is, as the Prime Minister stated, a defining moment for the country and its future success. The task of delivering that success will rest, to a large extent, on the capacity and capability of the civil service, so it is disappointing that she has once again failed to deliver any further investment in it. Every Government department will be affected by Brexit and if the Prime Minister really wants a 21st century global Britain, then she has to recognise the investment in the resources and skills of the civil service that is required to deliver it."

Notes for editors

1. The FDA is the trade union for the UK's senior public servants and professionals at grade HEO and above. FDA membership includes more than 18,000 senior civil servants, diplomats, Government policy advisors, prosecutors, tax professionals, economists, solicitors and other professionals working across Government and the NHS.
2. The FDA (formerly the First Division Association) should be referred to simply as "The FDA" and can be described as "the senior public servants' union". 
3. The FDA can be found on Twitter @FDA_union and at www.fda.org.uk.
4. For further information contact:

• Dave Penman, General Secretary, tel: 020 7401 5555 or 07967 503827.
• Kay Hender, Communications Manager, tel: 020 7401 5555 or 07980 700747.