Business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds has outlined his agenda for trade and his commitment to creating an aligned industrial strategy.
He also emphasised an upcoming drive to attract international investment to the UK, which he stated would create “good, well-paid jobs in the places where they’re most needed” and support the transition to net zero.
Highlighting the importance of the UK’s trading relationship with the EU – “our largest trading partner by quite some margin” – Reynolds wrote that he wants to hit “the reset button” with Brussels.
He reiterated Labour election pledges to remove “unnecessary border checks” and “secure mutual recognition” for professional qualifications on either side of the English Channel, making it easier for UK firms to operate in EU countries.
The business and trade secretary also set out a new international course for industry, centred on attracting greater inward overseas investment ahead of October’s International Investment Summit.
Industrial policy will be fully aligned with trade strategy which will in turn become a driver of economic growth.
The expectation is that Investment will create good jobs across the country resulting in higher levels of disposable income for taxpayers.