BCC press release: Business welcomes movement on EU reset negotiations

Responding to the release of the EU’s draft mandate for UK negotiations on removing checks on food and drink and eliminating carbon charges, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: 
 
"Firms have been patiently waiting for signs of progress on the EU reset and will be pleased to finally see this movement. 
 
“Negotiations on removing red tape for cross border trade in food and plant products, and on carbon charges are two key areas which can reduce business costs.  
 
“The sooner we can reach agreement the quicker we can expand bilateral trade and reduce the bureaucracy and charges involved. 
 
“We are also encouraged by the intention to remove ‘not for EU' labelling on products circulating in Northern Ireland through amendments to the Windsor Framework.  
 
“Plans to link the UK and EU Emission Trading Schemes will also reduce compliance costs for traders and provide greater liquidity for energy markets and investment. 
 
“The UK has its own mandate processes to complete, but we are hopeful that formal negotiations can now begin in early autumn. 
 
“Businesses will want both sides to move at pace so they can see the benefits of faster economic growth and additional trade at the earliest opportunity. A win-win agreement for companies in the UK and Europe is a prize we must all remain focused on delivering." 
 
More details on the EU mandate for negotiations.