Business leaders and MPs join forces to examine Brexit trade deals

MPs and business leaders have joined forces to create a new body that will examine UK–EU trading relations and British trade deals with the rest of the world, as officials continue talks aimed at resolving issues with the Northern Ireland protocol.

The cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission, which launches on Monday, is co-convened by Labour MP Hilary Benn and Virgin chairman Peter Norris.

It will aim to provide “independent scrutiny” of UK trade deals, taking evidence from expert witnesses and the public in the style of a parliamentary select committee.

The commission said it will “hear from a broad range of voices representing the different sectors of the UK economy, from financial services to manufacturing, and from across the political spectrum”.

Its establishment follows the closure of the Home of Commons Committee of the Future Relationship with the European Union, chaired by Mr Benn, which was disbanded at the start of the year.

Trade between the UK and EU buckled in January, with exports to the EU plunging 40pc, and imports falling 29pc – the biggest slumps on record.

Figures for February, set for release on Tuesday, are expected to show a recovery, but experts warn it may take longer for the full impact of Brexit on commerce with the bloc to become clear.

The group is supported by Best for Britain, the anti-Brexit group that campaigned for a second referendum on Theresa May’s Brexit deal.

Best for Britain drew criticism during 2019’s general election campaign for launching a tactical voting website that recommended pro-remain voters back the Liberal Democrats in some constituencies where Labour held only a small lead over the Conservatives.

The commission's membership comprises 11 MPs for nine parties, including Tories Roger Gail and Stephen Hammond, the sole Green MP Caroline Lucas, and former Lib Dem leadership contender Layla Moran.

Mr Benn told the Financial Times the body would be different to the select committee he formerly led, saying it would have an “intensely practical focus” on the problems being faced by businesses.

Mr Norris added: “The UK Trade and Business Commission will provide a unique forum for businesses and politicians to come together and discuss how to ensure that trade benefits our economy and future prosperity. We will be focused on identifying solutions and ensuring firms are able to make the most of the opportunities created by the UK’s existing and new trading relationships.”

Other business representatives in the group include Geoff Mackey, a director at German chemicals manufacturer BASF, and former Allen & Overy managing partner Andrew Ballheimer.

Its launch comes as UK and EU officials reportedly began technical talks that could result in a document aimed at ironing out issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ said the EU has informally raised the prospect of a joint UK–EU veterinary agreement that would eliminate the vast majority of checks in the Irish Sea, but alignment of food safety rules remains a major sticking point.

Boris Johnson’s EU adviser David Frost may meet EU Brexit commissioner Maros Sefcovic later this week.

Northern Ireland has been wracked by some of the worst violence in decades in recent days as loyalists and nationalists clashed with police in west Belfast, with the former group angry at post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created barriers between the region and the rest of the UK.

Northern Irish businesses said the EU must engage with British negotiators over the protocol to reduce red tape and avoid a cliff-edge introduction of new checks.

Aodhán Connolly from the Northern Irish Retail Consortium said European officials must “reciprocate” over new trading arrangements to avert disruption to NI businesses and communities.

He said: “We welcome any sort of movement there has been between the EU and the UK to agree that sort of implementation. However, it has to be done with business, not to business, it has to be workable, and it has to be done on the basis of proportional risk.”

Angela Gowan, Northern Ireland director at the CBI, added: “We would encourage the EU and the UK to work with business to find agreed, ambitious solutions that address the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland.

“Ultimately, a lasting workable agreement on these matters is needed to protect price and choice for Northern Ireland households and businesses.”

The developments came as a new poll showed the EU’s vaccine spat with Britain has hardened support for Brexit.

A Bloomberg poll found support for the UK’s exit from the EU has risen since 2016, with two-thirds of adults believing that leaving the bloc has helped Britain’s vaccine rollout.