Brexit: what happened this week
A lot has happened this week on Brexit: from the Scottish Government introducing a Bill to protect devolution, to the UK government’s latest shambolic negotiation efforts.
Go to Source
Author:
Press release: PM call with the First Minister of Wales: 2 March 2018
A Downing Street spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister spoke to First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones yesterday evening.
Referring to her speech today, the Prime Minister said it was her aim to set out the vision for an ambitious economic partnership between the UK and EU. Alongside the five foundations that would underpin the future partnership, she said we would seek customs arrangements that would lead to as frictionless trade as possible with our European neighbours, as well as ensure no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
The Prime Minister went on to say that, as she had set out in her speech, the new agreement we reach should protect the jobs and security of the British people and strengthen the union of nations in the UK. She also referred to the importance of continuing to work with our European partners to provide certainty for businesses across the UK and the EU.
The Prime Minister and the First Minister said they would look forward to the Plenary meeting of the JMC P on March 14 to take their discussions further.
The Liberal Democrats are turning 30 today!
Go to Source
Author:
Getting things done : Bankmill Road – Rosefield Place path
Residents have contacted me about the untidy state of the pathway that runs between Bankmill Road and Rosefield Place – see photos below.
I have taken this up with environment management in the council’s Neighbourhood Services and requested a tidy up.
Good news for industrial investment in post Brexit UK
As we are constantly hearing cautionary remarks from trade bodies, from the motor industry and sometimes even from companies like Airbus about their future in the UK as manufacturers, it might be a good time to examine what they are actually doing rather than listening to remarks which become highly spun and negative.
Toyota has announced a £240 million investment at Burnaston and will make its new Auris model there.
Nissan is going ahead with a 20% increase in its production capacity in Sunderland. It is also planning to raise the proportion of UK manufactured components used from 40% to 80%. This is important for rules of origin under WTO rules and is in line with government policy to encourage a higher local sourced percentage.
Aston Martin announced its new factory in St Athan’s before the referendum but has since confirmed it and announced deals with Japan and China to underpin the expansion. That second factory will make a new model.
Airbus has carried on with its investment and said it is still “very highly committed to the UK” whilst also pressing for a close future relationship with the EU
Siemens has announced a £200 million new plant for Goole in Yorkshire to make trains. In December 2016 after the vote it also committed £310 m to a wind turbine blade plant in Hull.