Times letter calls on government to deliver stable regulatory environment

CaSE has published a letter in The Times, highlighting the importance and consideration of scientific regulation during the Brexit negotiations.

The letter comes in response to a speech at the CBI Conference by the United States Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, in which he called on the UK to bring its regulatory framework in line with the US to boost trade. This was followed by the UK International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox, indicating that the UK would be moving away from harmonisation of regulations with the EU.

CaSE published its Priorities and Vision document earlier this year, calling on the government to deliver a stable regulatory enviornment that will facilitate trade, access to markets and innovation. As CaSE has argued, a key priority for ensuring this stability is the harmonisation of regulations and standards.

EU AND INNOVATION

17th November 2017

Sir, Liam Fox asserts that “the government would move away from the EU model of ‘harmonisation’ of regulations and laws” (News, Nov 8) in response to a call by Wilbur Ross, the US commerce secretary, for the UK to follow US standards to boost trade.

The UK’s global scientific organisations, from pharmaceuticals and aerospace to medical research charities and academic institutions, are as one in their call for the UK to align with EU regulations and continue to influence their evolution.

The UK’s outstanding science base attracts and creates research-led companies. Regulation is vital for scientific innovation and enterprise. It evolves rapidly, keeping up with the times to create value, facilitate trade and deliver scientific progress safely to society. To achieve the prime minister’s vision of the UK as “the go-to nation for scientists, innovators and investors”, the government must prioritise stability by harmonising regulation with the EU with the influence to innovate.

Dr Sarah Main

Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering

CaSE has also called for the establishment of robust science advice structures within the Department for International Trade and we’ve have welcomed the recent appointment of Dr Mike Short in the newly created position of Departmental Chief Scientific Advisor. We look forward to supporting his work and the work of the International Trade Secretary.

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