BRC stresses importance of comprehensive UK-EU trade deal

The British Retail Consortium has called for a UK-EU trade deal which puts consumers first: one that continues zero-tariff trade and minimises any new barriers.

Without these, the public will face higher costs and reduced choice on the shelves, it argues.

The UK departs the EU at 11pm today. There will then be a transition period until the end of 2020, while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements. “Consumers can rest assured that they will still find the same products at the same great prices, both online and in stores, throughout the 2020 transition period,” says Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium.

“What happens after will depend on the numerous trade negotiations that the UK will now be engaging in, and we look forward to the opportunities that new trade deals may have for consumers around the world.”

“Most important among all the government’s negotiations is the need for a comprehensive trade deal with the EU. A pragmatic approach is essential if we are to ensure the NI protocol is workable from next January, without damaging trade between Northern Ireland and its neighbours to the east and south,” Dickinson concludes.

Pulling no punches

Last year, the BRC blasted dithering politicians and issued a no deal Brexit warning. It also hit out at Michael Gove after he claimed on The Andrew Marr Show that a no deal wouldn't result in any food shortages.

And ahead of the general election in December, it launched a manifesto entitled A Vision for the UK Retail Industry. This set out how the election winner should support the retail sector as it “navigated a transformation driven by new technology and changing consumer behaviour”.