Brexit: future trade between the UK and the EU in services - follow up evidence session
The House of Lords EU Internal Market Sub-Committee will hear from representatives of the professional business services (PBS) sector in a follow-up evidence session to its report 'Brexit: trade in non-financial services' on Thursday 1 February.
PBS – including services such as accountancy, architecture, consultancy and legal services – represent the UK's largest services export. The EU is a key trading partner in this area: it is the destination for 32% of UK PBS exports, generating a £6 billion surplus in 2015. In its report, the Committee concluded that the Government should ensure that any UK-EU FTA facilitates mutual recognition of qualifications and regulatory structures, and rights to provide services and establish businesses, to avoid barriers to trade in this sector. The Committee also noted the importance of the cross-border movement of persons delivering PBS.
Giving evidence will be:
- Alan Leaman OBE, Chief Executive, Management Consultancies Association (MCA)
- Sally Jones, Global Brexit Insight Lead and Director of International Trade Policy, Deloitte LLP
- Ian Harris, Director, Z/Yen Group Limited
- Mickaël Laurans, Head of International, The Law Society
The session will start at 10:10am on Thursday 1 February in Committee Room 4A of the House of Lords. Areas for discussion include:
- Engagement with the Government
- Post-referendum business activity
- Free trade agreements
- Transition
- Preparations for ‘no deal'
