It’s seems more and more that the UK only wants an absolute minimum “bare bones” trade agreement with the EU. And business is getting increasingly worried, especially as we could be heading for what would, in effect, be a no-deal, BREXIT BUSINESS news digest/compiled by George Hamilton.
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The totally different EU/UK approaches to the deal will be revealed when the trade talks re-start on 18 March, and, finally, not much to do with Brexit, but it lifts the mood: highly paid “somethings in the City” (and also Guardian journos) are stealing loo roll and sanitiser
UK’s hardline Brexit stance starts to sour relations with business
Before the start of post-Brexit trade talks in Brussels last week, David Frost, Britain’s chief negotiator, prepared by tucking into a full English breakfast. But from the end of the Brexit transition next January, ordering Mr Frost’s patriotic fry-up in the EU’s capital might become much more difficult.
Exporting unfrozen processed meat products such as sausages to the bloc’s single market will require an export health certificate — completely new paperwork which currently does not exist for that sort of food. Meanwhile, dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and eggs will need a vet to sign off their provenance, something which could cost between £200-£900 per product.
“I am feeling punch drunk at the moment,” said Nick Allen, head of the British Meat Processors Association, who warned of the impact on consumers if the UK and EU fail to agree a zero tariffs, zero quotas trade deal by the end of the year.
He is not alone, with products from pharmaceuticals and chemicals to clothes and components at risk of being tangled in red tape over customs and product testing.
Richard Harrow, head of the British Frozen Food Federation and former managing director of Freiberger UK, the pizza maker said: “It feels like Boris has come out saying that I have a big majority so don’t need to consult business any longer.”
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) counts up to nine documents that would be needed to sell a British product to an EU country. Under any sort of deal, exports and imports will need a certificate of origin, transit certificates, customs valuation documents and, if exporting to Northern Ireland, destination paperwork to ensure goods are not then moved to the EU.
Manufacturers warn that without a deal that keeps friction to a minimum, much of the cost on importing goods from the bloc will be passed to British consumers. Financial Times 10 Mar
UK and EU set to table competing draft trade deals
Britain and the EU are set to present competing drafts of their future trade agreement as each side digs in ahead of the resumption of negotiations next week.
Britain’s draft version, which could be published as soon as this week, will confirm the fears of many businesses that Mr Johnson wants a simple agreement, which will create significant new friction at the border.
Michael Gove, Cabinet Office minister, confirmed Britain would “table” a full treaty text before negotiators meet in London on March 18 for their second round of talks.
While helping Britain assert its vision of a “Canada-style deal”, the decision to present a text will also give the UK a chance to reiterate its case that much of the future partnership can be based on elements from other trade agreements Brussels has with non-EU countries.
The EU has said a Canada-style deal — which will reduce border costs and friction — cannot be agreed with the UK unless Britain agrees to close alignment with Brussels regulations.
Downing Street has rejected suggestions that the coronavirus outbreak could force a rethink from Mr Johnson, who has repeatedly ruled out extending the tight timetable for finalising a trade agreement by the deadline of December 31. EU diplomats said that Brussels’ planning was that next week’s talks would still go ahead.
Two EU diplomats told the FT that they expected the European Commission to present its own draft text, although they said the timing was unclear. The Financial Times 9 Mar
Top City finance workers warned to stop stealing office lavatory roll
Workers have been warned about a spate of lavatory paper and hand sanitiser thefts at one of the Square Mile’s most exclusive office buildings as supermarket supplies run short due to coronavirus stockpiling.
At least 120 rolls of paper have “gone missing” already this week at the Walbrook building in Cannon Street – home to firms including money manager Vanguard, payments business Worldpay and broker Gallagher Insurance.
DAC Beachcroft, a law firm which also has offices in the building, has urged staff to report any colleagues seen raiding supplies.
In an email to staff, one of the firm’s partners said: “I understand from the Walbrook management team that there has been a spate of thefts from the lavatories throughout the building… of sanitiser dispenser and lavatory paper (some 120 rolls of which have gone missing this week alone).”
Members of the National Union of Journalists at The Guardian were also sent an email over “missing” hand sanitiser dispensers and paper towels.
They were told: “It really is pretty dismal that some people in the building are prepared to put their perceived personal needs above those of others and to jeopardise the efforts we are all making.” Daily Telegraph 10 Mar
