From The BBC: First and foremost, the EU wants the UK to sign up to strict rules on fair and open competition, so if British companies are g...

EU - UK Trade Deal: No Deal Is Likely






From The BBC: First and foremost, the EU wants the UK to sign up to strict rules on fair and open competition, so if British companies are given tariff-free access to the EU market, they cannot undercut their rivals. These are known as level playing field guarantees and they have been a constant theme in the EU's negotiating position for nearly two years. Most importantly, its negotiating directives, adopted on 25 February 2020, say a future partnership must "ensure the application" in the UK of EU state-aid rules on subsidies for business. The UK would also be required to stay in line with the EU's rules on environmental policy and workers' rights in a way that would "stand the test of time". But the government has now rejected this approach entirely. The political declaration it agreed with the EU last year did speak of level playing field commitments but, armed with a big majority in the House of Commons, it has toughened up its language. In a document outlining the UK's approach to negotiations published on 27 February 2020, it said: "we will not agree to any obligations for our laws to be aligned with the EU's". Instead, Boris Johnson has said he would create an independent system that would uphold the UK's international obligations and not undermine European standards. "There is no need for a free-trade agreement to involve accepting EU rules on competition policy, subsidies, social protection, the environment or anything similar," he said. He has also pointed out that there are areas such as maternity rights in which the UK has higher standards than the EU and that the UK spent far less money on state aid than Germany or France.

Essentially a Canada deal?

Bill 177 2019-21 (as introduced); As Originated in the House of Commons, session 2019-21; 

A bill to make provision in connection with the internal market for goods and services in the United Kingdom (including provision about the recognition of professional and other qualifications); to make provision in connection with provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol relating to trade and state aid; to authorise the provision of financial assistance by Ministers of the Crown in connection with economic development, infrastructure, culture, sport and educational or training activities and exchanges; to make regulation of the provision of distortive or harmful subsidies a reserved or excepted matter; and for connected purposes.

A bill to make provision in connection with the internal market for goods and services in the United Kingdom (including provision about the recognition of professional and other qualifications); to make provision in connection with provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol relating to trade and state aid; to authorise the provision of financial assistance by Ministers of the Crown in connection with economic development, infrastructure, culture, sport and educational or training activities and exchanges; to make regulation of the provision of distortive or harmful subsidies a reserved or excepted matter; and for connected purposes.

Read A Copy of The UK Internal Market Bill Here

Copyright 2008 - 2023

2020 - 2022. (C) Beekman Publications / ZMI