29 March 2019 has been carved into the public’s minds for the last two years as the day when the UK was going to leave the EU. Due to the chaos in Parliament, we’ve now been granted an extension to Article 50, which the RIBA called for after the second failed meaningful vote.
It was right to ask for an extension – it prevented today going down in history as the day when we crashed out of the EU. But it has also achieved something that might have previously been thought of as impossible: more uncertainty - since a no deal situation remains a threat despite the extension.
If the UK government, UK Parliament and EU do not agree on the withdrawal agreement, the UK will default to World Trade Organisation terms. The UK government’s Impact Assessment on a no deal Brexit suggests that the UK economy will be 6.3% to 9% smaller after 15 years, not taking into account short-term disruptions. This will impact the architecture sector, with products and services coming into and out of the country facing potential delays.
While the ramifications of a no deal will be hugely damaging, further delays and uncertainty cannot continue either. Architects have been clear to us about their priorities – the ability to attract and hire skilled European talent, smooth provision of trade in goods and services, and a UK economy that has the ability to grow. These priorities are echoed in other sectors and have been made loud and clear to government. Politicians must get their act together and decide on what they want, rather than what they don’t. Only then, can we move on from Brexit and focus on key issues, such as tackling the housing crisis.
For architects stuck in limbo there are a few things you can do to prepare. Firstly, our no deal guidance covers all the areas that could impact you and your business. Secondly, for EU architects, make sure you apply for EU settled status. Information on how to do that can be found here.
We will continue to make sure your voice is heard and that you receive all information that could impact your professional life.
What the RIBA is doing
The RIBA has been advocating on behalf of architects since the referendum:
- Recently, an amendment to the Architects Act was passed by the House of Commons to ensure that EU-qualified architects will continue to have their qualifications recognised in the event of a no deal Brexit
- In January the government confirmed that the UK will continue to recognise EU-qualified architects should we leave with no deal
- The RIBA have run a number of workshops with government and practices around the country to ensure your concerns have been heard
- We have responded to the outcome of each significant vote in Parliament
- We published 'Powered by People: Building a Post-Brexit Immigration System for UK Architecture' that used detailed research to set out what is needed to ensure the immigration system supports rather than damages the UK’s vital architecture sector
- We published a document with recommendations to government for boosting Britain's architectural exports after Brexit
