PM: Path through 'restrictive regulation' must be cleared to fulfil Brexit's potential

15 June 2021, 22:34 | Updated: 15 June 2021, 22:36

Boris Johnson welcomed a report from a taskforce on life outside the EU
Boris Johnson welcomed a report from a taskforce on life outside the EU. Picture: PA

By Daisy Stephens

A path through the "thicket of burdensome and restrictive regulation" must be cleared to fulfil Brexit's potential, Boris Johnson has said.

The Prime Minister welcomed a report from a taskforce of senior Conservative MPs setting out their ideas for taking advantage of life outside the European Union's regulations, and pledged to give it the “detailed consideration it deserves”.

In a letter to The Taskforce on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform (TIGRR), which is led by Brexiter Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the Prime Minister thanked them for the "substantive plans that will really put a TIGRR in the tank of British business".

Read more: Eddie Mair's revealing timeline of how the Delta Covid variant has affected the UK

Read more: One in five people in parts of EU paid bribes for healthcare during pandemic - survey

"It is obvious that the UK's innovators and entrepreneurs can lead the world in the economy of the future, creating new opportunities and greater prosperity along the way, and levelling up our whole country in the process," he wrote.

"But your report makes it equally clear that, whether in data reform or clinical trials, offshore wind or autonomous vehicles, this can only happen if we clear a path through the thicket of burdensome and restrictive regulation that has grown up around our industries over the past half century."

Political commentator calls for people to 'get over' Brexit

The TIGRR set out more than 100 recommendations, including a call for "reform" of the Northern Ireland Protocol, saying it "limits the scope" for enacting their suggestions to reduce bureaucracy while maintaining standards.

Their proposals also include replacing General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with a UK Data Protections Framework, allowing pension schemes to invest in start-ups and creating a new UK clinical trials network building on the success of the coronavirus vaccine development.

Read more: PM condemns shocking moment journalist forced to flee from anti-lockdown hate mob

Read more: Ireland confirms quarantine requirement for people arriving from Britain

Opening their report, the MPs wrote: "We appreciate that the Northern Ireland Protocol limits the scope for application of these reforms in that part of our country.

"We hope that future reform of the Protocol may allow greater scope for regulatory reform in Northern Ireland so that its economy can benefit from the proposals we set out."

Ex-Australian diplomat gives LBC his take on post-Brexit trade deal

Sir Iain, former environment secretary Theresa Villiers and ex-minister George Freeman were tasked earlier this year with reshaping regulation and seizing opportunities borne from Brexit.

Mr Johnson also tasked Brexit minister Lord Frost with creating a new Brexit opportunities unit to generate "new ideas and acting as a counterweight to Whitehall orthodoxy".

Read more: Agnes Akom: Human remains found in search for missing woman

Read more: Ex-Royal Marines jailed for using lego boxes to import £1.8m of cocaine

Confederation of British Industry policy director Matthew Fell welcomed the report as a "useful first step" to shaping the post-Brexit economy.

"It's only common sense that the UK explores how to best use its newly-returned powers," he said.

"Business and government will need to work together to ensure any proposed changes in the future are evidence-based and enhance the UK's international competitiveness."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations

Donald Trump nominates Pam Bondi for attorney general hours after Matt Gaetz withdraws

Starmer has backed the International Criminal Court over its arrest warrant for Netanyahu

Netanyahu faces arrest if he travels to Britain as Starmer vows to enforce International Criminal Court warrant

Yvette Cooper has branded the Rwanda scheme a "complete con."

Yvette Cooper to crack down on anti-social behaviour with new 'respect orders' as repeat offenders face jail time

King Charles III And Queen Camilla on Coronation Day

King Charles' coronation cost taxpayer £72 million, report reveals

Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City

Pep Guardiola signs two-year contract extension with Manchester City

Captain Tom's Daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore

Behaviour at Captain Tom charity left ex-boss 'gobsmacked'

Armed robbers attempted to break into the star's Sunderland home.

Masked machete-wielding robbers break into Charlotte Crosby's home while she is upstairs with two-year-old daughter

Police have released new CCTV of Harshita Brella and her husband

Chilling CCTV released of Harshita Brella and prime murder suspect husband on night she was killed

First photos of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special as James Corden and Ruth Jones mark triumphant finale

First photos of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special as James Corden and Ruth Jones mark show's triumphant finale

King Charles performs a Hongi, a traditional Maori greeting, with Mere Takoko

King Charles shares traditional Maori nose rub greeting with activist as he launches environmental charity

Putin issued a chilling threat to the West as he confirmed Russia launched a ballistic missile against Ukraine

Putin issues chilling warning to UK and US as he confirms Russia hit Ukraine with new 'experimental' ballistic missile

Telegraph writer Allison Pearson.

Police drop investigation into journalist Allison Pearson over tweet - as review to be launched over handling of case

Exclusive
Angela Rayner has paid tribute to John Prescott

Angela Rayner says John Prescott 'used to call her after PMQs to remind her to stay true to who she is'

Four men have been arrested accused of attempting to rob a mobile phone store

Undercover police arrest four men after EE shop raided by masked gang

Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations

Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations

Donald Trump Watches SpaceX Launch Its Sixth Test Flight Of Starship Spacecraft

Elon Musk pledges to fire civil servants who work from home