This week, RIBA Chief Executive Alan Vallance warned MPs on the Exiting the European Union Select Committee about the risk faced by the UK’s architecture sector as the result of a no deal Brexit. No deal Brexit is one of the core topics of the ongoing Conservative leadership contest, with the UK is currently set to leave the EU on 31 October 2019.
MPs on the Select Committee – who come from across the political spectrum - are charged with scrutinising the government’s activities on Brexit. The RIBA was called to give evidence on the impact of no deal Brexit on the UK’s services sector. Giles Derrington (techUK), Claire Walker (British Chambers of Commerce) and Martin Manuzi (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) were also on the panel.
86% of architects believe that access to international talent is important to the future success of the sector, which must be underpinned by a continued recognition of professional qualification agreements. Following repeated calls by the RIBA, the UK government has legislated to ensure that EU qualified architects that enter the UK after the UK’s withdrawal will be able to continue to register with the Architects Registration Board in the event of no deal. However, it will be down to individual member states as to whether UK qualifications registered after withdrawal will be accepted in the same scenario. During the session, Vallance made clear that the UK risked being left behind in terms of trade and attracting talent if the UK government did not strike new deals with the EU and other countries.
MPs on the Committee also asked for views on comments made by Conservative Leadership contender Boris Johnson MP on the ability for the UK to utilise provisions of GATT 24 to ensure that no tariffs were erected between the UK and EU in the event of no deal. Vallance highlighted to MPs that GATT 24 did not cover trade in services, and as a result the sector was still facing a great deal of uncertainty. He added that some UK practices, and particularly smaller practices, may find it more difficult to prepare.
If you want further information on how to prepare for the potential of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, the RIBA has collated the most pertinent UK Government technical notices.
