Tomorrow (Tuesday 20th February) the Brexit Secretary will set out how our future
economic partnership with the EU will be underpinned by Britain’s
desire to lead a race to the top in global standards.
His speech entitled 'Road to Brexit: Foundations of the future
economic partnership' is due to be delivered at 9.45am (GMT).
He will tell an audience of business leaders in Austria that
shared commitments to high standards can form the basis for
decisions on regulatory recognition that will reduce friction for
businesses.
Saying that he is ‘certain’ a good deal can be achieved, the
Secretary of State will address claims that we will undermine
workers rights or environmental protections, saying:
“We will continue our track record of meeting high standards
after we leave the European Union.
"Now, I know that for one reason or another there are some people
who have sought to question that these really are our intentions.
"They fear that Brexit could lead to an Anglo-Saxon race to the
bottom.
"With Britain plunged into a Mad Max-style world borrowed from
dystopian fiction.
"These fears about a race to the bottom are based on nothing, not
history, not intention, nor interest.
"But while I profoundly disagree with them — it does remind us
all that we must provide reassurance.
"And that’s why it’s a message delivered by every member of
Britain’s government as we meet our European counterparts.
"Whether it’s committing to maintaining and
enhancing workers rights.
"The Chancellor’s powerful advocacy for the stability of the
European banking system.
"Michael Gove’s crusading zeal for improving animal welfare and
environmental outcomes.
"Or my friend the Foreign Secretary, who explained in an
important speech last week how Brexit could be used to
distinguish between membership of EU institutions and our shared
European culture, values, civilisation.”
He will also explain how the principle of mutual trust,
underpinned by robust mechanisms, can reduce trade friction.
He will say:
“The agreement we strike will not be about how to build
convergence but what to do when one of us wants to make changes
to rules.
"Neither side should put up unnecessary barriers during this
process.
"Take a car produced here in Austria to be exported to the UK.
"Currently, that vehicle only has to undergo one series of
approvals, in one country, to show that it meets the required
regulatory standards.
"And those approvals are accepted across the European Union.
"That’s exactly the sort of arrangement we want to see maintained
even after we leave the European Union.
"A crucial part of any such agreement is the ability for both
sides to trust each other’s regulations and the institutions that
enforce them.
"Such mutual recognition will naturally require close,
even-handed cooperation between these authorities and a common
set of principles to guide them.
"And the certainty that Britain’s plan, its blueprint for life
outside of Europe, is a race to the top in global standards not a
regression from the high standards we have now, can provide the
basis of the trust that means that Britain’s regulators and
institutions can continue to be recognised.
"This will be a crucial part of ensuring our future economic
partnership is as open, and trade remains as frictionless as
possible.
"I am certain that is in the interests of both sides
"And because of that, I am certain that we can get this right.”
The Secretary of State will also set out two new principles that
will underpin the future economic agreement, saying:
“I’m here to explain not just why we must continue to work
together as the closest of partners and friends…
"But also how we should go about doing it.
"I believe there are two important principles which can help
point us in the right direction.
"The first is Britain’s determination to lead a race to the top
in global standards.
"The second is the principle of fair competition, which underpins
the best elements of the European economy, and which we must work
hard to spread.”
