Lords EU Committee launches new inquiry into the future UK-EU relationship in professional and business services

The House of Lords EU Services Sub-Committee today invites written contributions to its new inquiry into the future of UK-EU trading arrangements in professional and business services. 

The inquiry will also look at other conditions that need to be put in place to support UK-EU trade in these services after the transition period. 

The topics the Committee is seeking evidence on include: 

1. The importance of different UK professional and business services sectors to the UK’s economy and trade in services
2. Key priorities of different professional and business services sectors for the future UK-EU relationship 
3. Provisions needed in negotiations to minimise potential barriers to trade, particularly for smaller operators
4. Arrangements needed in negotiations for the mobility of professionals
5. Mutual recognition of professional qualifications
6. Provisions on cross-border investment and rights of establishment
7. Regulatory cooperation between the UK and the EU on professional and business services 
8. Lessons that can be learnt from the EU’s existing trade agreements with other third countries 
9. The potential impact for professional and business services of undertaking UK-EU trade under the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services framework 
10. The implications for professional and business services if there were no reciprocal data adequacy arrangements in place between the EU and UK by the end of the transition period
11. Opportunities for professional and business services after the transition period. 

The Committee invites interested individuals and organisations to submit written evidence as soon as possible, with a closing date of 28 June 2020. The Committee is particularly keen to hear from practitioners and small businesses across the UK, including the regions and devolved nations.

Click here to read the full call for evidence and find out how to submit evidence.

Notes to editors
 

1. The House of Lords EU Services Sub-Committee considers matters relating to the UK’s relationship with the EU in the services sector. This includes trade in financial and non-financial services, as well as UK-EU cooperation in the areas of science, education and culture. The Sub-Committee conducts inquiries in these areas and scrutinises relevant EU documents, asking questions and raising concerns through correspondence with UK Ministers. For more information about the Committee see its website.