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British Prime Minister Theresa May announced during the ruling Conservative party’s annual meeting on Sunday that the UK will start the Brexit process before April 2017. There has been mounting pressure on her to expedite the departure from the European Union. Since she assumed office, May had been playing her cards close to her chest — being quite ambiguous about the plans to leave the bloc. But now that she probably finds the preparation in place, she has made the clearest announcement about her government’s Brexit strategy. The PM has also
declared impementing the ‘Great Repeal Bill’ aimed at ending EU’s authority in UK laws and regulations. The legislation is supposed to make Britain “a sovereign and independent country againâ€. Before the Sunday announcement, an online YouGov poll had suggested that 50% surveyed thought that the government was doing badly on Brexit. It is hoped that optimism will replace this scepticism now.
However, both the sceptics and supporters should keep in mind that even in the brightest scenario, there can’t be a soft or painless Brexit. Though, the pain points can be reduced. The transition can be made smooth. For this, the leaders and negotiators have to do their homework diligently. The EU too should help Britain in the exercise, rather than let rancour sway the divorce. On Saturday, Frenchman Michel Barnier was appointed as European Commission’s Brexit negotiator. Barnier knows Britain’s new Brexit minister David Davis very well. This familiarity and rapport should make it easier for the two negotiators to reach a win-win agreement. It would benefit both Britain and EU to keep the trade irritants at bay and look for a middle path where Brexit doesn’t cast its shadow on their businesses.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi recently said Britain cannot expect special treatment on trade and immigration. That’s understandable and justified. If the UK stops access to single market, it might face tariffs on its goods. Ending single market would also hit a lot of the country’s businesses. Recently, Nissan Motor said it would not be able to make new investments in Britain without a government pledge for compensation in case of adverse consequences caused by Brexit. Vodafone Group is mulling shifting its headquarters if Britain doesn’t continue its single market access.
Britain has to be wary about how it goes about the single market issue. It shouldn’t take any course that alienates it from companies and workers who are contributing to its growth. It is time to reassure them that they are partners in progress. Winning back their confidence and trust is crucial in the post-Brexit environment. Similarly, the UK has to boost local traders too and give them the right impetus. PM May has taken measures to review the UK’s employment practices which will help the self-employed and temporary workers. This shows that Britain respects its labour force and values innovation and flexibility. Such steps will go a long way in instilling a sense of security in the employers as well as employees.
A recent report by Confederation of British Industry (CBI) indicates that businesses expect Britain to end 2016 on a high. Businesses are keen to build momentum, but they want the government to outline clear plans for Brexit negotiations. The CBI underlines that firms were cautious on the longer-term economic outlook. They are looking for a precise and comprehensive roadmap for Brexit to ensure the business decisions are not delayed or put on the backburner. The Conservative party has set the Brexit ball rolling. Now, it has to dispel the looming complications over the process.