BritishAmerican Business | December Policy Update

Policy Review: December 2017

2017 has been a roller coaster ride for all of us in the transatlantic policy space. We would like to firstly thank all of our members for your engagement in our work and the invaluable insights you provide which allow us to truly be the voice of transatlantic business speaking on behalf of BritishAmerican Business and the the British American Business Council (BABC) which has more than 20 chapters in major business centres throughout the UK and North America.

In 2017 we put on over 40 policy meetings, engagements and events, appeared before House of Commons Select Committees, produced government submissions on topics ranging from the future of UK Trade to the effects of EEA immigration as well as releasing our Across the Pond publication which highlighted success stories of UK and US companies working in each other’s markets.

Together with our members we put the transatlantic business communities’ voice directly to government on both sides of the Atlantic. We had the pleasure of hosting Ambassadors, CEO’s, Members of Congress and their staff as well as Mayors, Parliamentarians and civil servants from both governments. Our focus has been on Brexit and UK-US economic relations but has taken us into other areas including the effects of sanctions, potential reforms of the US visa system, tax reform and the future of the UK’s immigration system and industrial strategy.

The year ends with progress having been made on Brexit and an agreement between the UK-EU27 which we very much welcomed. The focus now turns to a transition agreement and the final negotiation of the future trading relationship. With the March 2019 deadline in sight, we have to remind ourselves of the deep relationship and dependency between both the UK and the EU.

We have been encouraged by the sustained positive momentum on exploring strengthening UK-US economic relations since the start of the new Administration. In particular the work of the UK-US Trade and Investment Working Group and the work of both governments to explore a future trade agreement and progress that can be made outside of that.

In 2018 we will continue to push forward on Brexit and UK-US Trade and look forward to being in touch in January with our plans for the year ahead.

We wish all our members a very happy Christmas and New Year.

BAB Policy Team

Highlights

BAB Statement on UK-EU27 Agreement

BAB welcomed the agreement made between the UK and EU27 to move negotiations onto the second phase of talks. Our statement covers our next priorities for negotiations including a swift agreement on a transition period.

BAB Full Statement

BAB Government Policy Submissions

This month, BAB has submitted two position papers in response to consultations by Her Majesty's Government one on the future of UK Trade Policy and the other on the effects of EEA and non-EEA immigration on the UK and recommendations for a post-Brexit immigration system.

Future of UK Trade Policy: BAB’s submission covers our priorities for a future trade relationship between the UK and EU, a rules based international trade system and the prospects of a future UK-US Trade Agreement.

Migration Advisory Committee: BAB outlined the positive impact access to talent has had on US companies operating in the UK and the impact of a reduction in the pool of employees available due to a too restrictive flow of people between the UK and the EU .

BAB Submissions

Events, Meetings & Initiatives

BAB Meeting with Her Majesty's Treasury

BritishAmerican Business led a delegation of its members to Her Majesty’s Treasury this week to discuss the priorities of the transatlantic business community for a transition agreement and the prospects for an UK-EU27 Trade Agreement. Key takeaways include the Government’s aim of quickly agreeing an implementation period of around two years (March 2019-March 2021) which keeps the trading relationship as close to the status quo as possible.

Updated House of Commons Submission on UK-US Trade

BAB submitted an updated version of our response to the House of Commons International Trade Select Committee's Inquiry into UK-US Trade. The submission builds on the previous submission BAB supplied in March 2017, outlining its vision for the areas that can be strengthened in UK-US Trade.

Read the submission here

BAB Annual Christmas Luncheon

Festive spirit was all around at the Annual BAB Christmas Luncheon, held at The Dorchester Hotel in London.

More than 300 people, representing 100 British and American companies, joined us for the festivities. Entertainment included a Christmas film trivia quiz, silent and live auctions and a balloon drop with prizes.

BAB Director of Policy Speaks to 'Marketplace'

BAB Director of Trade and Policy, Emanuel Adam, joined Stephen Beard of 'Marketplace' to give the US business perspective on a future UK-US FTA in the context of Brexit.

You can hear the full interview here

Policy Agenda 2018

Work is in the final stage for BAB's next 'Policy Agenda' publication. The Policy Agenda is the leading transatlantic policy document reaching thousands of leading policy makers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, including those at the top of Government. Thanks to Arup, Caterpillar, EY, Magrath Sheldrick LLP, Wells Fargo and Zebra Technologies for supporting this important product.

If your organisation has an insight you want to put before Governments on cyber security, data, immigration & talent or FinTech, please get in touch with BAB Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Theo Bachrach.

Thank you for reading this month's Policy Update. If you have any feedback or comments, email BAB Policy

BritishAmerican Business provides the official policy support to the British American Business Council (BABC). With that, BAB Policy work supports and represents more than 20 chapters and their members in major business centres throughout the UK and North America.