We welcome the references in the white paper to the importance of involving local government in the development of the UK’s trade policy.
There was a diversity of views among local government about Britain’s membership of the EU. To reflect this, the LGA remained neutral during and following the referendum of 23 June 2016.
This response follows the Government’s position in assuming the UK will exit the EU without continued membership of the single market or the customs union . The LGA also acknowledges that other scenarios are possible, subject to the negotiations, and is working with partners to understand the risks and opportunities to local government of all eventualities.
Key messages
- We welcome the references in the white paper to the importance of involving local government in the development of the UK’s trade policy. The position of public services within trade deals, local government’s ability to support businesses and also attract inward investment are an important focus, in addition to the wider questions about the impacts of trade policy on businesses and local employment generally.
- We note that government may need to conclude at least 56 free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries across the world in order to maintain the status quo as achieved through EU membership. We also note that government plans new trade deals with the EU itself, the US, Australia and many other partners globally.
Download the full LGA response
HMG white paper on future UK trade policy, LGA Response, November 2017