business Essential news, comment and analysis


Theresa May: The government’s white


paper proposes a new framework on borders that ‘enables UK and


EU citizens to continue to travel freely to each other’s countries’


Government sets out need for an aviation agreement


A white paper published last week clarifies the government’s approach to Brexit, but will Brussels agree? By Ian Taylor


Industry leaders welcomed the government white paper on ‘The Future Relationship between the UK and the EU’, published on Thursday last week.


The paper clarifies Whitehall thinking on issues of most concern to the industry, including the need for an aviation agreement to maintain flying arrangements. It commits “to explore options


for maintaining [a] liberalised Air Transport Agreement” with the EU and notes “there is a precedent for this” in the EU’s existing air services agreement with Canada “which provides for fully liberalised access subject to a


64 travelweekly.co.uk 19 July 2019


sufficiently open bilateral approach to ownership and control”. The white paper also commits


the government to “seek participation” in the European Aviation Safety Agency – a key demand of the aviation sector – recognising the UK will need to pay for membership and lose voting rights. It notes that Switzerland, a non-EU member, already has a similar arrangement. It pledges “close cooperation on


air traffic management” and “close collaboration on aviation security”. The Airport Operators’ Association welcomed the proposals as matching “as closely


as possible today’s traffic rights and aviation regulation”. However, chief executive Karen Dee said: “It’s vital both sides now finalise the Withdrawal Agreement. This will provide the necessary confidence about future arrangements.” Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer


said: “The white paper provides much-needed clarity. However, further clarity is needed.” He warned: “The EU will have


its own ideas on what a future relationship should look like.” The proposals do appear


to conflict with red lines set by Brussels. The white paper confirms the government desire to establish a free trade area for goods with the EU, but this would sit alongside “new arrangements for services” including tourism.


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