Earlier this week, the UK chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said she was hoping talks in the new year could lead to an extensive “reset” of post-Brexit relations.
The remarks were seized on by leave supporters who fear a betrayal of the referendum vote, while others argue Reeves won’t go nearly far enough.
The Guardian asked experts in several sectors affected by Brexit what they want from the EU/UK summit due in 2025.
Music and the arts: ‘We need to resolve Brexit disaster’
UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl
“UK musicians and their crew previously found it easy to play a concert in Paris one night and Amsterdam the next, yet since Brexit this has all changed.
“The increased bureaucracy, costs and complexity of touring the EU have now put the UK music industry at a competitive disadvantage compared with other European countries. The ability for young and up-and-coming artists to nurture their craft and hone their skills across the UK’s biggest music market has been dealt a huge blow over the last few years in particular.
“A new deal would tackle with the absence of a specific settlement for musicians in the original EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement.
“A bespoke deal could offer a number of solutions, including a visa-waiver agreement for creators on short term visits, as well as enabling some UK cultural workers to stay in the Schengen area market for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.
“Other pieces of red tape, such as carnets for equipment and restrictive cabotage rules could also be addressed in a bespoke UK-EU cultural touring agreement.
“The music industry is worth £7.6bn to the economy, but the ability of the sector to grow this figure, as well as its impressive export revenues, which have increased by 15%, will be severely damaged if urgent action is not taken in resolving music’s Brexit disaster.”
Horticulture: ‘Brexit has caused delays and damage … a reset is vital’
Jennifer Pheasey, director of public affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA)
“The UK environmental horticulture sector depends on importing plants, trees, seeds, and other products — worth over £770m annually — from the EU.
“Post-Brexit border operations have created delays, damage, and excessive bureaucracy, driving up costs and limiting consumer choice. Resetting UK-EU relations is a vital step toward addressing these issues.
“A plant health agreement based on mutual recognition would offer a long-term solution. However, the government must acknowledge the existing damage and the time required to rebuild supply chains and trading relationships. Comprehensive oversight of trade policies — spanning Northern Ireland trade, GB plant passport regulations, and CITES requirements – is urgently needed within the government. Without coordinated action, the sector faces growing friction, higher costs, and reduced competitiveness, hindering green growth and impacting consumers.
“We would like to see Rachel Reeves deliver an ambitious reset and expedite action on the current border situation, which will reduce trade friction, boost competitiveness, and support sustainable growth. Swift action is essential to prevent further disruption and secure a stronger future for the sector.”
Farmers: ‘We need to reduce friction at the border’
Tom Bradshaw, president of the NFU, which represents 46,000 farming and growing businesses
“We welcome the government pursuing a relationship between the UK and the EU that enables a better trading position with the aim of reducing friction at a time of global instability.
“In the short term, it is vital the government continues to address issues where they exist relating to the implementation of the border operating model and the continued ban on high quality British products to the EU such as seed potatoes.
“As like-minded partners, the EU and the UK have a great opportunity to continue to cooperate on issues such as animal welfare, plant health and contribute to common challenges such as the rise of antimicrobial resistance, spread of zoonotic diseases and biodiversity loss.”
Business: ‘UK needs to put in hard yards’
Sean McGuire, Confederation of British Industry director for Europe and international
“We welcome the UK government’s commitment to take meaningful action to ‘reset’ the EU-UK relationship. The chancellor’s meeting with EU finance ministers is an important milestone on this journey.
“Further action on regulatory co-operation, progress on mutual recognition across different areas, and a reduction in customs and administrative burdens are just some of the areas of focus that can boost business confidence and make the most of our trading relationship with the EU.
“By putting in the diplomatic ‘hard yards’ now, the government can start the process for unlocking the untapped potential of our trading relationship with the EU as part of its focus for delivering sustainable growth.”
Chilled food: ‘A reset could offer significant benefits’
Phil Pluck, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation
“Smoother customs processes, reduced paperwork, and greater access to skilled labour would all contribute to a more efficient and resilient supply chain.
“However, any new arrangements must prioritise the specific needs of the cold chain sector. This includes maintaining seamless cross-border movement of temperature-controlled goods and safeguarding the integrity of the chilled and frozen food supply.
“We urge Rachel Reeves to advocate for a comprehensive trade deal that addresses our industry’s unique challenges and opportunities, such as a veterinary agreement and a wholesale reduction of the red tape and fees that have damaged businesses.
“This could be achieved by creating a trusted trader scheme allowing those operators to run smoothly through ports and therefore preserving the safety and integrity of chilled and frozen goods which in turn allows current resources to focus on illegal trade.”
