CIPR joins cross-sector call for comprehensive UK trade deal with India
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has joined forces with trade bodies from across the professional and business services sector in writing to the UK Government for "a commercially meaningful and comprehensive" new free trade agreement between the UK and India.
The bodies have collectively written to Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, Secretary of State for International Trade, (letter below) with the view that an India-UK trade agreement is a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to improve economic ties between both countries and negotiations should continue until a balanced outcome is achieved, even if that means going beyond the October deadline.
The UK public relations industry is a great success story but for continued growth it depends on genuine open and global markets. As an international body we are proud to lend our name to this letter calling for an ambitious trade deal that delivers on the UK Government's commitment to be a services powerhouse. It is important that the focus remains on getting the right deal, not on rushing to meet deadlines.
We look forward to this ongoing work with our partners and the Government as we continue to make sure the PR industry is represented at the highest level.
Letter to Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, Secretary of State for International Trade
Dear Secretary of State for International Trade,
As negotiations continue towards an ambitious free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and India, we the undersigned organisations (representing a significant crosssection of major traders) urge the Government and its negotiators to hold out for a commercially meaningful and comprehensive deal, even if doing so means that the selfimposed deadline of Diwali is not met.
The Cabinet has announced that, rather than initiating new policy or revisiting previously agreed positions, the Government should focus on delivering the agenda it has already collectively agreed. Negotiating until a balanced outcome is achieved, even if that means continuing past October, is entirely consistent with the Government’s manifesto commitments.
A new free trade agreement between the UK and India represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen the already close economic ties between the two countries and to set a new international standard for India’s trade agreements.
It is the content of the deal which matters for UK businesses, not speed of negotiation. We appreciate the efforts of negotiators on both sides, who are working tirelessly, but substance needs to come before any deadline.
We are committed to continuing to provide the UK Government with every support to see these negotiations concluded.
Yours sincerely,
- Bar Council
- Chartered Institute of Public Relations
- Chemical Industries Association
- City of London Corporation
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
- Law Society of England and Wales
- MakeUK
- Professional and Business Services Council (Business-side)
- Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
- TechUK
- The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas with nearly 10,000 members.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).