MP shares thoughts on EU/UK summit
19/05/2025
The Prime Minister welcomed EU leaders to Lancaster House in London this morning
As details of a new agreement between the UK and the European Union begin to emerge, Banbury’s MP Sean Woodcock has welcomed today’s summit and the opportunity to fix what he describes as “the botched Brexit deal of the previous government”.
Mr Woodcock says local companies have raised issues with him of lost European Union trade, complex paperwork, customs delays, and difficulties for small to medium sized enterprises obtaining registration and identification numbers to move goods since Brexit.
He detailed one business which had lost 30 percent of its turnover since the UK left the European Union.
As news of changes in the UK’s relationship with the EU began to arrive Mr Woodcock said: “When I stood as your MP, I promised that ‘I’ll push for a closer relationship with our European friends and allies, that does away with the damage done by the Conservatives.’ This remains a core mission for me, and I will continue to do so. In my opinion, an improved trading relationship with the EU will lead to increased economic stability here, in Banbury and the UK.
“This does not mean returning to the single market and customs union, nor does it mean accepting freedom of movement. But it does mean working towards an improved relationship with our EU partners that will provide benefits, notably economic, to UK businesses and consumers.”
Whilst noting the positive impact immigration has had on the UK, Mr Woodcock believes a new arrangement with Europe must be based on the need to address the public’s concern that the government have control of our borders.
He also believes rejoining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention would make life easier for our manufacturers, keeping them in European and global markets.
Here’s is the full statement from Mr Woodcock:
“Today, the Prime Minister is hosting a summit with the European Union – seeking a deal to improve our trade relationship and security arrangements. This comes hard on the heels of deals made with the United States and India, that will make imports and exports easier and more financially beneficial for UK businesses and consumers. Specifically, trade deals with India have allowed for the existing £42.6bn of trade between the UK and India to grow by an extra £25.5bn a year by 2050, and deals with the US have started to reduce the catastrophic new tariffs imposed on us earlier this year.
“I am pleased with these deals. Businesses that I have spoken to and engaged with in the local area have been clear on the damage and the great uncertainty that has been caused by US tariffs – with turbulence in the international trade market leading to delayed orders and postponed expansion. Without intervention, highly depleted profit margins and higher prices on goods will run rife.
“Therefore – getting a deal to minimise tariffs, and even remove them in some sectors, is hugely important for local businesses here in Banbury, and of course, nationwide.
“India, meanwhile, is a huge growth market and so the potential benefits to UK business are enormous. Our new deal is therefore crucial to increasing our trading relationship with India for many years to come.
“But businesses have been equally clear to me; the botched Brexit deal of the previous government has been equally problematic as the uncertainty over tariffs would have been.
“Common complaints include lost EU trade, complex paperwork, customs delays, and difficulties for SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises) obtaining EU EORI numbers. One business that I have spoken to lost 30% of turnover after we left the EU, leaving significant financial challenges in its wake. Other issues ranged from loss of retail trade with the EU, increased shipping charges, and VAT complexities – all which have huge knock-on effects, particularly with the smaller and more economically vulnerable businesses in our area.
“These pre-existing challenges have strained resources and made businesses more susceptible to issues arising from new shocks like US tariffs.
“When I stood as your MP, I promised that ‘I’ll push for a closer relationship with our European friends and allies, that does away with the damage done by the Conservatives.’ This remains a core mission for me, and I will continue to do so. In my opinion, an improved trading relationship with the EU will lead to increased economic stability here, in Banbury and the UK.
“This does not mean returning to the single market and customs union, nor does it mean accepting freedom of movement. But it does mean working towards an improved relationship with our EU partners that will provide benefits, notably economic, to UK businesses and consumers.
“Last week the Prime Minister gave a speech on immigration in which he set out how he will be tackling the issue of immigration. He stated clearly;
“‘Migration is part of Britain’s national story.’
“I agree. Immigrants, including my wife, have made a massive contribution to our country, its economy and its culture and will continue to do so for many years.
“But the reality is that with nearly a million people arriving last year compared to those leaving, people are concerned at the impact of this on jobs, services and infrastructure.
“When the British people, and people in Banbury voted to leave the European Union, it was driven in part by a desire to gain an element of control over immigration. However – immigration numbers have continued to rise, and we have endured on our screens the abhorrence of people being ferried across the channel in small boats, with scant care for their wellbeing. We must therefore listen to these concerns and accept that changes need to be made.
“I am very clear; we should accept people coming here to make a better life for themselves, often working in care and our NHS.
“We should accept refugees and must ensure that safe routes exist for them to get here.
“But is it really fair that people who are brought here on small boats often end up being exploited in the black market by unscrupulous employers, because their manner of arrival means they have no right to work?
“I don’t think so. We should not accept that, and it is clear that the British electorate do not.
“As such, any deal with the European Union must be based on this need to address the public’s concern that the government have control of our borders.
“Beyond that, however, Banbury has much to gain from an agreement with Europe.
“We have a proud history as a hub for industry and manufacturing, and Banbury is today home to logistics, green tech start-ups and high-end automotive engineering. Those companies and many others rely on smooth, efficient trade with the European Union, our nearest neighbours and trading bloc. Yet – local businesses are telling me that this smooth trade no longer functions adequately – at a detriment to their business.
“Under the current UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement, goods must comply with certain rules of origin regulations to qualify for tariff-free trade. That is creating new challenges for businesses, particularly manufacturers, that previously enjoyed seamless trade with the European Union.
“For example, a UK-based bus manufacturer exporting to the EU must ensure that at least 55% of the vehicle’s value is derived from UK or EU components. However, many manufacturers rely on parts from outside the UK and the EU, making it harder to meet that requirement.
“Rejoining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention would therefore ease those constraints, keeping manufacturers in European and global markets. If we rejoined the PEM, components sourced from all 51 PEM countries would count as local content, making it easier for British businesses to qualify for tariff-free trade. That would be particularly beneficial for the automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical and machinery sectors – industries that we have here in Banbury.
“Although rejoining the PEM will not solve all the post-Brexit trade issues, it is a practical and immediate step towards restoring smoother trade flows. It would signal to the EU that the UK is serious about improving trade relations whilst staying outside the customs union and the single market.
“The Government have rightly set a mission of making the UK the fastest-growing economy in the G7 by the end of this Parliament, and I believe that joining the PEM would be a logical step towards achieving that goal.
“That’s one thing I hope that this UK-EU Summit can deliver.
“Other things like a return to e-passports to minimise queuing at the airport will be welcome bonuses, reducing stress and time taken away from travel, work and holidays.
“Whilst the referendum result should be respected, as a democratic right of voters in this country, a failed Tory deal with the European Union doesn’t need to be. I will keep campaigning to ensure that it is fixed – because that’s what Banbury, and Britain, needs.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
