#Impact of Brexit

[head-post]

Northern Ireland votes to extend post-Brexit trade arrangements

Northern Ireland’s Stormont Assembly has voted in favour of retaining the special trade arrangements for Brexit for another four years.

This means Northern Ireland will retain some EU trade laws as a means of maintaining an invisible border on the island of Ireland, despite continued opposition in some unionist circles.

The 42 to 35 vote reflected long-standing divisions over Brexit, with Unionist Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) voting against it, while Nationalists and the non-sectarian Alliance Party supported it.

The decision came after hours of debate, which Social Democratic Labour Party (SDLP) MLA Sinéad McLaughlin as “triggering,” with Brexit points reiterated from the Unionist benches.

Consideration was given to the continued application of Articles 5-10 of the Windsor Framework, which deal with customs, movement of goods, VAT and excise duty, the single electricity market and state aid.

Emma Little-Pengelly, Deputy First Minister, said the DUP would “continue to fight for the full restoration of Northern Ireland’s place within the UK,” including the removal of the application of EU law and any barriers it creates to the UK’s internal market. “We must strive for something better,” she told the meeting.

Naomi Long, the Alliance Party’s justice minister, said it would not help anyone if Brexit was a “permanent open wound” and she would vote to keep the arrangements in place so the North could “move forward.”

Matthew O’Toole, SDLP leader at Stormont, said the protocol was flawed but urged party members to look forward. “There needs to be a concerted effort to improve the situation,” he added.

That prompted Steve Aiken of the Ulster Unionist Party to say the “strongest message” to Brussels and London was to unite behind a vote against the continuation of the Windsor framework.

“Illusion of democracy”

Tuesday’s vote was the first test for the compromise deal struck by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in February 2023.

Jonathan Buckley of the DUP called the vote an “illusion of democracy” as London will have the final say on which laws will prevail under trade agreements.

The framework was introduced after long opposition from the DUP and other parties over checks on farm-fresh products, from sausages to cheese, imported into the region from the rest of the UK.

Under the Windsor Framework, goods from Britain destined for storage in Northern Ireland pass through a “green lane,” while a separate “red lane” is provided for goods destined to cross the border into the Republic and therefore the EU.

Import bans on seed potatoes and 11 native British trees have also been lifted, as well as EU rules on the movement of pets from Northern Ireland to the UK.

Read more HERE

[etapereine]

really interesting interview with harry tanfield about the last-minute attempt that he and his brother and some friends are making to establish a continental team in britain. as it stands, with st. piran and trinity closing, there would be no registered uci continental teams left in the country.

he also talks about the (very) sad state of professional cycling in the uk and some of the challenges faced by conti-level teams and riders trying to get into the european racing scene.

also this article from cycling weekly gives a good overview:

[chainreactionpodcast]

In the News: Fashion Industry's Battle with Returns, US Economic Trends, and Key Automotive Recalls

In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into some of the most pressing issues affecting various industries today. From the fashion industry’s battle against high return rates to the shifting economic trends in the US and significant automotive recalls, we cover it all. Let’s explore these topics in greater detail. Ever wondered how the fashion industry is managing the challenges posed by…

[asiangroups]

read more....

[tejkohli25]

The Impact of Brexit on UK Tech Investments

The UK’s departure from the European Union marked a turning point for the nation’s tech industry. Once a magnet for global investment, the post-Brexit landscape now poses new challenges and opportunities for UK tech startups and investors. Issues like regulatory divergence, talent shortages, and funding access are reshaping the way businesses operate. Understanding these changes is crucial for navigating the evolving tech ecosystem.

To explore how Brexit-related policies continue to influence investment, check out this in-depth article.

How Brexit Affects Tech Investment in the UK

1. Regulatory Uncertainty

Divergence from EU regulations creates uncertainty for data privacy, intellectual property, and fintech compliance.

UK tech firms now need to align with dual regulatory systems when operating in EU markets.

Delays and inconsistencies in policy clarity have made some international investors hesitant.

2. Access to Talent and Skilled Workforce

The end of free movement with the EU has restricted access to tech talent, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and software development.

Visa constraints and increased administrative burdens impact hiring efficiency.

UK tech firms must now focus more on local upskilling and remote hiring strategies.

3. Disruption in Funding & Investment Flows

Several EU-funded programs and VC networks are no longer accessible to UK-based startups.

There’s a growing reliance on domestic and US-based investors to fill the gap.

Startups face increased competition for grants, venture capital, and R&D funding.

4. Cross-Border Trade Barriers

Tech hardware exports and imports are affected by new tariffs and customs procedures.

Delays in cross-border logistics increase supply chain costs for UK tech companies.

Opportunities Emerging from Brexit

1. Independent Regulatory Frameworks

The UK can now customize its digital and data protection laws to encourage innovation.

There’s potential for pro-business tax reforms and funding incentives tailored for tech startups.

2. Strengthening Global Trade Relationships

Post-Brexit trade deals open the door to non-EU partnerships in North America, Asia, and Africa.

UK tech firms are diversifying markets to reduce reliance on the European bloc.

3. Boost in Domestic Innovation

Government initiatives like Innovate UK aim to support homegrown startups.

Investment in AI, green tech, and quantum computing is being prioritized to boost local capacity.

Tej Kohli’s Take on UK Tech and Brexit

Tech entrepreneur Tej Kohli emphasizes that while Brexit introduced barriers, it also presents an opportunity to reshape the UK as a sovereign tech powerhouse. His key insights include:

Policy alignment with innovation goals is vital to keep the UK globally competitive.

Investing in UK-led R&D and technology is essential for long-term resilience.

The UK must strengthen talent pipelines and offer incentives to attract top-tier tech professionals.

Conclusion

Brexit’s impact on UK tech investments is multi-dimensional—posing risks while also revealing paths to innovation and independence. For the UK to remain a leading tech hub, it must embrace policy reforms, international partnerships, and talent development. As Tej Kohli and other thought leaders suggest, the post-Brexit era offers a unique chance to rebuild the UK’s tech narrative with agility and ambition.

[robertleechestateagents]

Brexit and its effects on the property market

If ever there was a time when that much over used expression was applicable, that time is now ‘ Keep Calm and Carry On’, it really is the best advice to be given over the next few months.

The result of the historic referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union is in and everyone now knows. As an immediate result, the Government, economy and currency have all been in turmoil, which will obviously have a knock on impact on the property markets, but Britain now has a mandate to reassert itself in global markets and renegotiate relations with Europe on its own terms.

So how will this affect the property market?

Some uncertainty is likely to slow the property market for a while, however, the ‘must movers’ will still move in line with their personal circumstances – upsizing, downsizing, relocating for work purposes or moving for schools, but in contrast, many investors and less committed buyers may sit tight to see the economic and social impact of the announcement.

The ‘wait and see’ period could lead to some price adjustments; hopefully the Government will act swiftly to avoid the property market becoming stagnant which would have a knock-on impact on the economy.

Our hope is, that whoever succeeds David Cameron will appoint a chancellor who will temper the higher stamp duty levels which have curtailed demand across the capital by up to 50 per cent and which in turn is filtering out to the south east of England.

When the new prime minister takes charge and appoints a new chancellor, the present draconian stamp duty rates could be reduced somewhat to encourage more activity in the market place.

The pound may fall, against other major currencies and whilst this may only be in the short term, it does make the UK even more attractive to overseas investors.

Many global investors will take advantage of this, just as they did in the immediate aftermath of the last financial crisis. It is also likely that major multi-national employers will wait to see how the economy pans out before making radical changes. If so, we could expect a boost to lettings markets as more overseas employees wait to see what their prospects hold before buying a home here.

When currency rates do stabilise and confidence returns to the market, the clearing economic outlook should present a great opportunity for those bold enough to seize it. We understand many buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and investors may still have questions about where this result leaves residential property markets in our area.

At Robert Leech our experienced and dedicated professionals are always here to assist in any way we can, so if you have any property related queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/brexit-and-its-effects-on-the-property-market/

[olivergisttv]

How Brexit 2.0 is Reshaping EU Immigration Policies for Non-EU Citizens

Brexit has had a profound impact on the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, but its ripple effects extend far beyond the UK’s borders. As the UK finalized its exit from the EU, a second wave of changes—commonly referred to as “Brexit 2.0″—is now reshaping the immigration landscape, particularly for non-EU citizens. These new developments are causing shifts in how EU…

[thecpdiary]

The Impact of Brexit and Covid-19 on the Book Industry

When I had my first book published in January 2020 it was the right place but the wrong time to publish. I couldn't have foreseen, no one in the publishing or writing industry could have foreseen the car crash that was waiting to happen.

Brexit and Covid-19

This blog makes for sombre reading, but I will try to do a break-down of the impact of Brexit and Covid-19 on the book industry, highlighting how these events might have affected your publishing experience.

As a result of Brexit and Covid-19, publishing anything from 2020 onwards has met with significant upheaval, affecting the book industry and other industries. Publishers and authors alike would eventually come to understand why – as an author, I include myself here. Brexit

Anxiety and uncertainty

The prolonged and complex Brexit negotiations created a sense of uncertainty, causing anxiety and stress among the UK population, particularly among those who were directly affected by the changes.

Fear of the unknown

The lack of clarity on post-Brexit arrangements led to concerns about potential economic instability, job security, and access to healthcare, which contributed to feelings of unease and anxiety.

Sense of disconnection

The weakening of ties with the EU has contributed to a sense of disconnection from European friends and family, especially for those who had built strong relationships across its borders. We now know small businesses have particularly been hard-hit.

Economic Uncertainty

Consumer Confidence

Brexit created economic uncertainty, which has led to reduced consumer spending. People have been more cautious with discretionary purchases, including books.

Currency Fluctuations

The value of the British pound fluctuated considerably, affecting the cost of importing and exporting books. This has impacted pricing and profitability for UK publishers and authors. Regulatory Changes

Trade Barriers

New trade barriers and tariffs introduced complexities in the distribution of books between the UK and the EU. This affected supply chains, making it more challenging to get books to international markets efficiently.

Intellectual Property

Changes in IP law and licensing agreements between the UK and the EU created additional hurdles for publishers, delaying the release of new titles and complicating rights sales. Market Adjustments

Industry Shifts

Publishers had to adapt to the new regulatory environment, diverting resources away from marketing and promotion of new authors.

Focus Shift

Some publishers might have shifted focus towards more established authors and safer bets in an uncertain market, making it harder for new authors to gain visibility.

Covid-19

Pandemic-induced stress and anxiety

The global pandemic has caused widespread stress, anxiety, and fear due to the rapid spread of the virus, lockdowns, and the uncertainty surrounding its impact on daily life.

Social isolation

Social distancing measures led to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from others, exacerbating mental health concerns like depression and anxiety disorders.

Fear of contagion

The risk of contracting Covid-19 has created a sense of hyper-vigilance, causing people to feel anxious about their own health and the health of those around them. Personally, Covid-19 (the pandemic) caused my anxiety to worsen, leaving me with a permanent sense of foreboding and in a continued state of panic.

Disruption to Retail

Bookstore Closures

At the start of Covid-19 with physical bookstores closed and operating at reduced capacity during lockdowns, primary sales for many books were severely disrupted.

Shift to E-commerce

While there was a significant shift to online book sales, not all authors and publishers were ready for the transition. New independent authors have also struggled to stand out in the crowded online marketplace. Supply Chain Issues

Printing and Distribution

Lock-downs and social distancing measures disrupted printing and distribution, leading to delays in the release of new books and potential shortages.

Increased Costs and my books

The rising costs of materials and shipping have had a significant impact on the pricing and profitability of books. My third book, Survival: The Covid Years, was published in the UK, whereas my first two books were published in the EU. When it came to publishing my third book, my publishers relocated the printing and production to the UK in an effort to reduce costs and to optimise their operations. Changes in Consumer Behaviour

Reading Habits

The pandemic change people's reading habits, with some people reading more due to lockdowns and others less due to stress, anxiety and uncertainty. The types of books and genres people were interested in also shifted, which may not have aligned with what authors published. My books are all non-fiction and all deal with mental health. Four years into the pandemic and many people are still failing to go back to reading physical books, particularly books on mental health. Marketing and Promotion

Event Cancellations

Book launches, signings and literary festivals were cancelled or were moved online. This affected the visibility and promotional opportunities for new releases.

Digital Marketing

There was an increased reliance on digital marketing, but cutting through the noise required significant investment, which will have been a challenge for new authors. (Source: onlinelibrarywileycom)

Conclusion

While Brexit has introduced regulatory and logistical challenges, Covid-19 has accelerated digital transformation and changed consumer behaviour, forcing the book industry to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and that's been difficult.

Both Brexit and COVID-19 have had significant impacts on our mental health and relationships with the European Union. While Brexit created uncertainty and disconnection, Covid-19 has exacerbated these effects by adding another layer of stress and anxiety.

However, with the right Government in place, these challenges may also present opportunities for strengthening relationships with the EU, therefore fostering greater international co-operation in the face of Brexit. It remains to be seen, however, whether Labour, the new incumbent party in the UK take up these challenges to mend the UK's relationship with the EU.

If you're interested and fancy grabbing copies of any of my books that deal with mental health, please go to the following link https://www.thecpdiary.com/my-books/ 

For more relatable, inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

[britishbusinessonline]

Why The UK Economy Is Now Unbelievably PATHETIC

Discussing The UK Economy This is Great Britain it was once a global superpower that had grown to rule over 400 million people making it the largest Empire in history. Before we get into all this, great news today, about the UK Economy, Wednesday 19th of June 2024. UK inflation hit the Bank of England’s 2% target in May. However, this picture of Britain can now only be seen in history books…

[meoun-uk]

New Study Reveals Impact of Brexit on British EconomyBrexit, the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, has been a topic of heated debate a... https://www.meoun.uk/new-study-reveals-impact-of-brexit-on-british-economy/?feed_id=9386&_unique_id=6651bcdbb4993

[ironmanrecords]

Formal apology on behalf of the United Kingdom to the people of the European Union regarding Brexit and a gesture of hospitality

Dear People of the European Union, I am writing this letter for and on behalf of the United Kingdom to extend our heartfelt apologies for the impact of Brexit on the people of the European Union, and for the personal insult, distress and uncertainty it has caused. I didn’t vote for Brexit, I voted to remain and I have had to learn to respect and accept the outcome of the referendum and it’s…

[alpha-mag-media]

Ex-GAA president Sean Kelly reveals ‘unexpected’ Brexit impact as it’s made him ‘miss the Brits’ in European Parliament | 0K510G1 | 2024-01-04 08:08:02 | January 04, 2024 at 09:08AM

Ex-GAA president Sean Kelly reveals ‘unexpected’ Brexit impact as it’s made him ‘miss the Brits’ in European Parliament | 0K510G1 | 2024-01-04 08:08:02 Read More … Check full articles at Source: ALPHA MAG

[tejkohli25]

Understanding UK’s Economic Policies

The UK’s economic policies play a crucial role in shaping the country’s financial stability, business environment, and investment climate. From taxation and trade policies to monetary regulations, these policies directly impact business owners, investors, and consumers. Understanding how these frameworks evolve helps businesses and individuals make informed financial decisions.

For expert insights on the UK's economic strategies, check out this article.

Key Components of UK’s Economic Policies

1. Fiscal Policy – Government Spending & Taxation

The UK government manages economic growth through public spending and taxation policies.

Changes in corporate tax rates, VAT, and personal income tax affect businesses and individual earnings.

Recent R&D tax incentives aim to boost innovation and tech-driven enterprises.

2. Monetary Policy – Interest Rates & Inflation Control

The Bank of England regulates monetary policy by adjusting interest rates to control inflation.

Businesses must monitor inflation trends, borrowing costs, and currency fluctuations.

Investors assess monetary policies to predict market movements and investment opportunities.

3. Trade & Investment Policies

Post-Brexit trade agreements have reshaped UK’s global trade relationships.

The government encourages foreign direct investment (FDI) through business-friendly policies.

The UK’s focus on tech startups and financial services strengthens its global competitiveness.

How Economic Policies Affect Businesses

1. Impact on Startup Growth & Investment

Tax relief programs like SEIS and EIS attract investors to early-stage startups.

Government-backed small business loans provide funding support for entrepreneurs.

Policy shifts in corporate tax rates and VAT regulations influence business expansion plans.

2. Influence on Employment & Labor Markets

Employment laws, including minimum wage increases and worker rights regulations, affect hiring strategies.

Immigration policies impact talent acquisition in tech, AI, and finance sectors.

Companies must adapt to changing labor laws to ensure compliance.

3. Consumer Spending & Market Trends

Interest rate adjustments influence consumer spending habits and business sales.

Policies on public sector investments affect infrastructure and service industry demand.

Businesses must analyze economic indicators to anticipate market fluctuations.

Challenges & Opportunities in UK’s Economic Policies

1. Brexit-Related Policy Uncertainties

New trade tariffs and import/export regulations pose challenges for UK businesses.

Companies must restructure supply chains to align with post-Brexit agreements.

2. Balancing Inflation & Economic Growth

The Bank of England’s inflation control measures impact business borrowing costs.

Entrepreneurs must optimize financial strategies to mitigate inflationary pressures.

3. Sustainability & Green Economy Initiatives

The UK government promotes green energy investments and carbon reduction targets.

Companies investing in sustainability practices can benefit from policy-driven incentives.

Tej Kohli’s Perspective on UK Economic Policies

Investor and entrepreneur Tej Kohli highlights that pro-business policies drive innovation and economic resilience. His insights include:

Lower corporate taxes encourage investment and startup growth.

Government-backed tech funding accelerates AI, fintech, and biotech advancements.

Flexible trade agreements will strengthen the UK’s economic position in global markets.

Conclusion

UK’s economic policies shape the nation’s financial stability, business expansion, and investment climate. Entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses must stay informed about tax regulations, monetary policies, and market trends to remain competitive in an evolving economy.

[toaarcan]

Rishi Sunak and the D-Day Disaster

Babes wake up, Rishi Sunak did a fuckup again!

Hokay, so, at time of writing, yesterday was the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. This is a big deal for a lot of reasons, D-Day is one of the most significant events in the largest and most destructive war humanity ever fought, and this is likely to be the last major anniversary that the surviving veterans will be alive and well enough to attend.

Political leaders from the world over made their way to the Normandy beaches for a commemoration. Biden, Trudeau, Macron, Scholz, and Zelenskyy were present. Keir Starmer was there, as were King Prince Charles and Prince William, but the UK government proper was represented by Rishi Sunak and David Hameron.

Until suddenly it wasn't!

Let's run down everything (that I'm aware of) that went wrong!

As part of the British event, army paratroopers landed on the beach... and then had to reconvene in a tent to get their credentials checked by the French authorities. Because Brexit happened and we don't have free movement any more! Pro-Brexit nimrods have, predictably, complained about getting exactly what they voted for.

Once each nation's part of the proceedings were done, they were to reconvene at Omaha Beach for an International commemoration. Speeches, medals being awarded, that sort of thing. Except... Rishi Sunak was not present.

No, see, Rishi "The Least Elected PM Ever" Sunak had stayed until the end of the British event and then promptly fucked off back to England, snubbing the leaders of America, France, Canada, Germany, and Ukraine and leaving everything in the hands of the Hameron, his also-unelected foreign secretary that last rubbed shoulders with any International politicians when he was fucking everything up in 2016. Also, in the hands of his main rival, Starmer (Okay calling Starmer and Sunak rivals is a bit unfair, it implies Sunak has a snowball's chance in hell, which he does not).

Naturally, people were pretty fuckin' steamed about this, and put Rishi on blast for showing enormous disrespect to... literally everyone involved. Especially since this is right on the heels of Sunak proposing that they bring back National Service to "fill young British people with loyalty and honour."

Don't worry it gets worse.

Naturally, there are a lot of journalists with cameras present, and this means that we get to see images like these:

Image Description: Left to right, David Cameron, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, and Joe Biden, standing in front of a partially cloud blue sky. Macron, Scholz, and Biden are lit by the sun, while Cameron appears to be in the shade.

Image Description: Keir Starmer sits, centrally-framed, among D-Day veterans in ceremonial dress uniforms. To the right of the frame sits Emmanuel Macron.

Image Description: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer talking, with a photojournalist in the background aiming his camera at them. Both are smiling.

Quote Pippa Crerar, writing for the Guardian (You may remember her from that time she blew the lid off of Partygate!), Starmer is "already looking like a Prime Minister."

So this is really, really bad for Rishi. Britain has been keen to support Ukraine lately, and we've actually shipped a supply of our Challenger 2 tanks over to them for their use. The impact from this hasn't been as massive as you'd hope, largely because the British military has been absolutely gutted under the Tories, for reasons that I'm sure had absolutely nothing to do with all the financial support David Cameron got from Russians, but Britain has been trying to help.

Boris Johnson in particular liked to really stress the Ukraine point whenever he was losing control of the narrative, essentially making Ukraine's plight and his support for them a shield from criticism. And now, here's the leader of the opposition being photographed in a positive light with Zelenskyy. The optics are incredibly bad for Rishi.

But surely, Rishi had a reason why he had to zip back to British soil post haste? Maybe an emergency that he had to resolve?

No, he needed to record an interview with ITV, for his election campaign. That was it.

Well, interviews in election cycles become outdated pretty quickly. Normally a few days is enough to render them outdated. It must've been pretty urgent.

No, the interview is scheduled for release in six days' time.

That's an eternity in election season. There's a high chance that more than half of its content will be void by the time it airs.

As a reminder, we are four weeks from the big day. In fact, yesterday was exactly four weeks before election night. Time is very short.

Well, maybe this was the only time they could fit him in?

Nope, Paul Brand of ITV has confirmed that this was the date and time Rishi wanted, and they could've moved it to prevent scheduling conflicts!

So, how did a fuckup on such a grand magnitude happen? How did Rishi manage to create a clash between the 80th anniversary commemoration of an event with a specific date (6th June, 1944 is not hard to remember, my guy!) and the election that he called? Well that's very simple! He didn't want to be there at all.

Yes, it seems that Rishi had already told the French government a week ago that he wouldn't be attending at all. Someone seems to have convinced him that skipping the event entirely was a bad idea, but not enough for him to actually commit to it.

Image Description: A block of text reading "The French government was told a week ago that Rishi Sunak would not attend the D-Day 80th commemoration, Tory sources have confirmed. The message to Paris from his team was that he would be too busy campaigning in the general election to make the trip. The decision was reversed, and a short visit was the compromise, but it is extraordinary that an attendance by a Conservative PM, or any PM, was ever in doubt."

Rishi has denied this, however, so the whether it's true or Sunak has elected to not lie for once, well, that remains to be seen.

Quote John Healey, Labour's defence spokesperson, “Given that the prime minister has been campaigning on the idea young people should complete a year’s national service, what does it say that he appears to have been unable to complete a single afternoon of it?”

Conservative commentator Tim Montgomery called it "political malpractice."

And so, after thumbing his nose at half the world in order to pursue an already-foundering election campaign, Rishi Sunak decided that he needed to apologise. Via tweet.

It's been a very bad day for Rishi Sunak.