Labour's Plan to Revive Post-Brexit Economy
In a significant move, Keir Starmer's government has announced plans to bring forward legislation aimed at improving the UK's deal with the EU. This development marks a turning point in Labour's efforts to address the economic damage caused by Brexit. The promises made last year, including deals on food standards and energy trading, have yet to materialize.
The delay in implementing these agreements is largely due to the complexity of negotiations between the two sides. However, caution cannot be used as an excuse for inertia when the economic costs are clear. The absence of concrete action has resulted in higher prices, weaker trade, and diminished influence.
To rectify this situation, Labour proposes a two-phase approach. Phase one focuses on improving existing deals, such as food standards and energy trading agreements, which could ease pressure on supermarket prices and lower bills for consumers. This phase is crucial to delivering tangible benefits from the Brexit settlement.
The government's preparation of legislative groundwork for these agreements marks a significant step forward. However, it is essential to recognize that improved agreements alone will not be sufficient to define success at this year's UK-EU summit.
Britain's return to Erasmus+ in 2027 is a welcome development, but more needs to be done to address the needs of young people and ensure access to defense investment with the EU. The current impasse on these issues undermines the country's commitment to European security.
Labour's plan also aims to build upon this progress by introducing deeper, broader alignment across the economy in phase two. This could include mutual recognition of standards across all industrial sectors, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and UK accession to the pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention. These proposals have been pushed for since 2023 and align with Labour's stated red lines.
The benefits of these measures are substantial, with research suggesting a potential GDP boost of around 2%. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that any form of closer cooperation comes at a cost. The UK would need to pay to participate in agreements and accept shared rules, which could be debated.
Critics may argue that the EU will never agree to such an arrangement with a large neighbouring economy. However, this argument overlooks the shared economic, security, and geopolitical interests between the UK and EU. Closer cooperation is not only possible but also an urgent necessity for the country's future growth and living standards.
In a significant move, Keir Starmer's government has announced plans to bring forward legislation aimed at improving the UK's deal with the EU. This development marks a turning point in Labour's efforts to address the economic damage caused by Brexit. The promises made last year, including deals on food standards and energy trading, have yet to materialize.
The delay in implementing these agreements is largely due to the complexity of negotiations between the two sides. However, caution cannot be used as an excuse for inertia when the economic costs are clear. The absence of concrete action has resulted in higher prices, weaker trade, and diminished influence.
To rectify this situation, Labour proposes a two-phase approach. Phase one focuses on improving existing deals, such as food standards and energy trading agreements, which could ease pressure on supermarket prices and lower bills for consumers. This phase is crucial to delivering tangible benefits from the Brexit settlement.
The government's preparation of legislative groundwork for these agreements marks a significant step forward. However, it is essential to recognize that improved agreements alone will not be sufficient to define success at this year's UK-EU summit.
Britain's return to Erasmus+ in 2027 is a welcome development, but more needs to be done to address the needs of young people and ensure access to defense investment with the EU. The current impasse on these issues undermines the country's commitment to European security.
Labour's plan also aims to build upon this progress by introducing deeper, broader alignment across the economy in phase two. This could include mutual recognition of standards across all industrial sectors, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and UK accession to the pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention. These proposals have been pushed for since 2023 and align with Labour's stated red lines.
The benefits of these measures are substantial, with research suggesting a potential GDP boost of around 2%. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that any form of closer cooperation comes at a cost. The UK would need to pay to participate in agreements and accept shared rules, which could be debated.
Critics may argue that the EU will never agree to such an arrangement with a large neighbouring economy. However, this argument overlooks the shared economic, security, and geopolitical interests between the UK and EU. Closer cooperation is not only possible but also an urgent necessity for the country's future growth and living standards.