---

Find comment from businesses on the government's Brexit White Paper here.

---

The UK government’s White Paper detailing its proposals for a post-Brexit deal with the European Union has confirmed that free movement for EU27 nationals would end.

UK government’s Brexit blueprint

But the document – hailed by Prime Minister Theresa May as the basis for a “principled and pragmatic Brexit” – said visa-free travel would continue for business visitors, holidaymakers and students, and held out the prospect of free movement for intra-company transfers (ICTs) within Europe.“The government also says visas could play a part in future trade deals, raising alarm bells that Mrs May will do a deal on workers’ access to the UK in order to secure a better trade deal, allowing an important Brexit red line to go rather pink,” reported Sky News.It is unknown how Brussels will react to the British plan, which also calls for social security provisions to enable Britons living in the EU to benefit from pension entitlements and healthcare.

Other proposals include:

• A new free trade area in goods, based on a “common rule book” of regulations facilitating frictionless movements across borders – an arrangement that would mean the UK committing to continued harmonisation with EU rules;
• Continued UK participation in European agencies including areas such as chemicals, aviation safety and pharmaceuticals;
• A formal framework for bringing together at summits leaders from the UK and EU;
• New arrangements for services, with the UK setting its own rules and recognising that the UK and EU “will not have current levels of access to each other’s markets”. Financial services would operate under a new system, but not the EU equivalence arrangements and not a replica of the current ‘passporting rights’ regime;
• Continued co-operation on energy and transport, and continued security coordination, including membership of Europol and a range of EU agencies.

---

Related stories:

• Business groups voice reservations over Brexit plan
• Businesses demand answers to ‘urgent’ Brexit questions
• Services demand continued access to foreign talent 

 For more related news and features, visit our Brexit section.  

---

Maintaining a relationship between UK and EU

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt commented, “What we say to the European Union is we’re not the only ones who can’t do the cherry-picking. If they want a deep and special partnership with Britain going forward, then we have to look at our relationship as a whole.“We are saying that we will defend Europe unconditionally – that is the big commitment that Theresa May has made. We need to find a way forward that works for both sides.”Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said, “In line with our modern industrial strategy, this government is determined to make sure the UK is ready to lead the industries of the future and seize the opportunities of global trade.“At the same time, we need to cater for the deeply-integrated supply chains that criss-cross the UK and the EU, and which have developed over our 40 years of membership. The plan outlined in this white paper delivers this balance.“It would give the UK the flexibility we need to strike new trade deals around the world, in particular breaking new ground for agreements in services.“It would maintain frictionless trade in goods between the UK and the EU through a new free trade area, responding to the needs of business.“It would deliver on both sides’ commitments to Northern Ireland and Ireland, avoiding a hard border without compromising the EU’s autonomy or the UK’s sovereignty.”Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory  

©2024 Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.