UK/EU ‘reset’ will help clear bottleneck at border, say FSB
UK/EU ‘reset’ will help clear bottleneck at border, say FSB
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed “genuine progress” following the conclusion of the first ever UK-EU Summit.
The result of the talks was a new deal between the UK and the European Union, which includes fresh terms on fishing rights, trade and defence.
The FSB say today’s agreement brings us a step closer to reducing the burdens for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by clearing the bottleneck at the border, trading fresh produce and more efficient supply chains.
Ben Cottam, Head of Wales at the FSB, said: “As Wales’s most important trading partner, FSB welcomes the announced easing of trade barriers between the UK and the EU.
“In particular, simplifying exports for Welsh food and drink SMEs provides a vital injection of confidence and certainty for these key businesses, enabling them to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation in the EU market.
“There is a role now for Wales’s business support organisations to proactively engage with businesses to provide comprehensive guidance on what the deal means for them and how they can capitalise on the benefits of this improved trading environment.”
Addressing the press earlier today, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: “This deal is good for both sides – and let me set out why it is good for Britain. We’ve struck an SPS deal to make food and agriculture trade with the EU cheaper and easier.
“Slashing red tape and bureaucracy. That will mean lower food prices at the checkout. More choice on our supermarket shelves – and more money in people’s pockets.
“It will boost British exporters because, once again after a long absence, we’ll be able to sell great British burgers, shellfish and other products into the EU.
“We’ve also struck a new Defence and Security Partnership to strengthen our cooperation and strengthen our security – which is vital in this dangerous new era.
“And it will open the door to working with the EU’s new defence fund – providing new opportunities for our defence industry, supporting British jobs and livelihoods.
“We are also increasing our co-operation on emissions trading. Saving UK businesses from having to pay £800 million in EU carbon taxes. Once again: supporting British businesses, backing British jobs.”
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