Brexit post-General Election and consumer protection In this feature l new government l Brexit l CTSi requests ? Deal or no deal As Brexit talks get under way, Louise Parfitt looks at what the new minority government position could mean for trading standards A s has so often happened in recent months and as it did when Clement Attlee took power from the muchadmired Winston Churchill in the 1945 election this system we call democracy can throw up some surprising results. If you thought Mays Conservatives would increase their majority and be given a clear mandate to exercise their hard Brexit plan, you wouldnt be alone. But, as votes were counted after the General Election on 8 June, it became clear that Mays hopes for an increased majority had been dashed when Labour saw a surge in votes. The result is the Tories hanging on, propped up by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which has raised many eyebrows and led to much speculation, not least about the future direction of the relationship between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Speaking about the result, Adam Scorer, CTSIs new director of policy, says: While the election threw up enormous political uncertainties, and may shred manifesto commitments, the consumer protection priorities for the new government remain crystal clear. There are five key commitments we need to see from government. Itneeds to commit to its promised Consumer Green Paper and the willingness to intervene in failing markets. It must ensure that vulnerable consumers are protected from unscrupulous or negligent firms, especially around scams. It is necessary for government to understand and embed the interests of consumers in its approach to Brexit. It needs to extend the provision of advice and guidance for upright businesses, which may struggle to adapt to changes in regulatory provision. Above all, for CTSI, it must grasp the opportunity to think through and deliver the strongest frontline consumer protection and enforcement regime for all communities in the UK. We must come out of Brexit with a system that meets the changing needs of UK consumers, businesses and citizens Bringing on Brexit Membership of the single market will require complying with EU rules, meaning very little changes for trading standards Pre-election, CTSI sent clear requests to the main political parties (see TS Today, June 2017) and was able to offer comment on the risks and challenges to the profession of the emerging government approach to Brexit the one most people thought it would be continuing with. However, in this brave new world of minority government rule, nothing is certain. Brexit talks may have begun, but the stance Britain will be adopting at the negotiating table has changed. Mays position is weaker, and she now cannot unilaterally impose the hard Brexit she appeared to envisage before the election. Labour and others have been saying that this way forward is now as dead as the Great Repeal Bill which was Mays way of bringing EU legislation into UK law with the chance to change it at a later date and that the UK may not leave the single market after all. This, says Craig McClue, CTSIs lead officer and policy executive, is a very important distinction for trading standards, as membership of the single market will in theory also require complying with EU rules, meaning very little changes for trading standards and consumer protection law. Wed be in a similar position to Norway being a member of the European Economic Area and having to follow single market rules, but not being at the table when they are made. Whats needed now Regardless of the complexity and current chaos, Scorer says the government needs to cut through and identify what businesses and consumers need and make sure they deliver it. We must come out of the other end of Brexit with a system that meets the changing needs of UK consumers, businesses and citizens locally and nationally. CTSIs core asks from government remain the same and will continue to provide the basis for a more solid framework for consumer protection pre- and post-Brexit. We will ensure we continue to respond and engage with the government and decision-makers in whatever new context emerges. Watch this space. WHaT BuSINESSES WaNT FROM BRExIT NEgOTIaTIONS Businesses certainly appear to be answer is for things to remain as they the need for continued engagement concerned about the terms of the Brexit are or at least give businesses plenty with EU regulatory agencies; the fact that deal. According to a recent report, of time to adjust. Some of the main Brexit will necessarily trigger a fundamental co-authored by former Shadow concerns identified by the report include rethink of policy towards some sectors, Chancellor Ed Balls, on what medium- fears that Brexit will lead to an increased in particular agriculture; and the need sized businesses want from Brexit, the regulatory burden, not a reduction; to upgrade customs control procedures. To share this page, in the toolbar click on You might also like Credits Louise Parfitt is a writer for TS Today. Images: iStock.com/tostphoto Promises, partnerships and pie in the sky June 2017