The UK is facing significant economic challenges.
High inflation.
Labour shortages.
Global instability.
But new barriers to trade have made things even worse, meaning the UK was the last G7 economy to recover from the pandemic in June 2023 meaning…
Fewer jobs.
Lower wages.
Less money for public services including the NHS.
Something needs to change.
That’s why the cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission of MPs and industry leaders has published…
The report is the most comprehensive, insightful, in-depth assessment of the state of UK trade in years
It is based on…
Those organisations include:
and many more…
Association of British Healthtech Industries
Borderlex
British Meat Processors Association
British Poultry Council
Association of British Healthtech Industries Borderlex British Meat Processors Association British Poultry Council
It contains 114 recommendations to remove barriers to trade, help businesses grow and prepare the UK for the economic challenges and opportunities of the next decade.
Recommendations include…
A UK Board of Trade
that will…
Independently analyse UK trading performance.
Scrutinise new and existing trade deals and their impact on everyone.
Have a role similar to how the OBR functions for the Treasury.
Boost UK economic growth by maintaining regulatory alignment with the EU where beneficial, while remaining outside of the Single Market and Customs Union.
This would apply to things like foods, manufactured goods, and programmes like Horizon and Erasmus.
Achieved through a new ‘UK-EU Regulatory Cooperation Council’ established ahead of the 2026 Brexit agreement review.
Align where it makes sense
A visa system that works for Britain
Ease the labour shortages crippling UK businesses through…
Reform of temporary and business visas
Increased flexibility for artists and seasonal workers
A new Youth Mobility scheme with the EU
Subject all new trade agreements to full parliamentary scrutiny and approval of both Houses of Parliament.
Taking back control of trade
But now what?
These recommendations were examined, debated, built on and endorsed at Trade Unlocked 2023 a major conference bringing businesses of all sizes, from all parts of the economy together with decision makers and trade experts.
