BSRIA response to Brexit speech

In response to the speech made on 17 January 2017 by the Prime Minister Theresa May about the UK’s future relationship with the EU, Julia Evans, BSRIA Chief Executive, said:

“Today the Prime Minister, Theresa May, altered the political and economic landscape. It is fair to say that BSRIA members and the industry at large will welcome the greater clarity and the aspiration to create a more affluent, flourishing, open and global Britain, with the freest possible trade between the UK and the EU. Indeed, May said Britain wants to trade with the EU ‘as freely as possible’ but will not be ‘half-in, half-out’.

"But ruling out membership of the Single Market has reduced opportunities for continuing a barrier-free trading relationship between the UK and the EU. Therefore, government must now deliver these aims and achieve a smooth and systematic exit.

"As previously stated – Brexit must not become all-consuming, and we must ensure that industry has employees with the right skills to be able to create the right infrastructure and business environment across the UK.

"On immigration, May said the government would seek to guarantee the rights of EU citizens living and working in Britain.

"However, if citizens of the EU-27 are subject to future restrictions, a straightforward and light-touch system is crucial. Bringing EU nationals into the costly and bureaucratic Home Office work permit system can be an immense regulatory burden for many members, especially when their immediate skills shortages continue to be critical.”

--BSRIA

NB RIBA President Jane Duncan broadly welcomed the additional clarity provided by the speech, saying, "The detail of the UK’s new trading relationships with the EU and with partners across the world is what will drive the success of our sector. I urge this government to continue its dialogue with industry so that we can secure the best deal for all."