The development assistance will help tackle tax evasion and avoidance, build effective tax systems to fund public services and provide British experts.

The agreement will see Palestinian businesses and consumers benefitting from continued trade after the UK leaves the European Union.

A trade continuity agreement will see Palestinian businesses and consumers benefitting from continued trade after the UK leaves the European Union, UK International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said today (Monday 18 February). 

In Ramallah, the UK-Palestinian Authority agreement was signed by both the International Trade Secretary and Her Excellency, Abeer Odeh, Minister of National Economy.

The agreement simplifies trade and will allow businesses to trade as freely as they do now once the UK leaves the EU.

Trading on these preferential terms, rather than on World Trade Organization terms, will continue to deliver significant savings and help to further strengthen the bilateral trading relationship.

The agreement allows Palestinian businesses to continue access to the UK market tariff-free which will continue to benefit Palestinian producers in priority sectors, including exporters of fruit, nuts and vegetable fats including dates and olive oil.

Today’s signing reflects the importance of bilateral relations between the UK and the Palestinian Authority. The Agreement demonstrates the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, promoting Palestinian economic growth, and maintaining the UK’s strong commitment to a two-state solution.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said:

Today’s agreement will help give UK and Palestinian businesses, exporters and consumers the certainty they need to continue trading freely as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

The agreement reflects the importance of the UK-Palestinian relationship, a thriving Palestinian economy is in all our interests. We look forward to further strengthening our trade and investment relations with the Palestinian people.

The news has been welcomed by the Palestine British Business Council.

Antoine Mattar, Chair of the Council, said;

The Palestine Britain Business Council welcomes the trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the Palestinian Authority.

This agreement avoids unnecessary tariffs which will ultimately save British consumers money on items such as dates and olive oil. Frictionless trade also helps to keep people in employment and create new jobs, supporting the Palestinian economy and helping Palestinians work towards a prosperous future.

The UK is seeking to provide continuity for around 40 existing EU trade agreements covering more than 70 countries.

Like these agreements, the new UK-Palestinian Authority agreement replicates the existing trading arrangements as far as possible. It will come into effect as soon as the implementation period ends in January 2021, or on 29 March 2019 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

The Home Secretary has today (Monday 18 February) visited 2 police hubs to see how law enforcement is preparing for the possibility of leaving the European Union without a deal.

Sajid Javid was given a tour of the International Crime and Coordination Centre (ICCC), a unit recently established by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

The ICCC will act as a centre of expertise to support police forces in using alternative co-operation mechanisms with European partners should a deal not be agreed before the UK leaves the EU.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said:

The UK’s main objective is to maintain existing levels of security co-operation and protect mutually beneficial capabilities, which is in the interests of both Britain and the EU.

It is our duty as a responsible government, however, to prepare for all scenarios.

I am reassured that our police, through the International Crime Coordination Centre and the National Police Coordination Centre, are well-prepared to respond to all scenarios.

The Home Office has provided £2.4 million for the ICCC in 2018 to 2019 and confirmed that the department will continue to fund the unit in 2019 to 2020.

The Home Secretary also went to the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC), where he was given an overview of its operations by Chief Constable Sara Thornton, the NPoCC’s chair.

Launched in 2013, the NPoCC co-ordinates the deployment of police officers and staff across UK policing during major events and operations.

It recently oversaw police response to the visit of US President Donald Trump in July 2018. The visit constituted the largest deployment of officers since 2011 and was delivered safely and securely by police.

Five new members are joining the group at a crucial time for the asset management industry.