techUK response to the PM's Brexit negotations statement

24 Sep 2018 02:00 PM

techUK's deputy CEO comments on the PM's statement on the Brexit negotiations.

Commenting on the PM’s statement on the Brexit negotiations, Antony Walker, Deputy CEO recently said:

"With less than 200 days to go before the UK leaves the European Union it is not surprising that negotiations are entering their most difficult stage. We urge both sides to keep talking and to work towards a solution that can deliver the close trading relationship that both the UK and the EU need to support jobs and growth.

"The Prime Minister is right that this means we need more than just a ‘Canada-style’ Free Trade Agreement. techUK continues to believe that an Association Agreement approach, as set out in the Chequers plan is right. However it is clear that compromise on both sides will be required to make this workable.

“techUK welcomes the absolute guarantee in the Prime Minister’s speech that the rights of EU citizens in the UK will be protected post-Brexit. Neither side should seek to play politics with the lives of the over 180,000 EU-born workers who are integral to the success of the tech sector.

“techUK has consistently said that a good deal will only be delivered if both the UK and the EU are prepared to be flexible and approach Brexit with mutual respect. Both parties must commit to finding a solution that avoids the worst case scenario of no-deal which could wreak severe damage on the UK economy."