Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

“Council notes that the Queen’s Speech included commitments to honour the process of Brexit as interpreted by the Government. In particular, it aspired to securing ‘the best possible deal’, building the ‘widest possible consensus’ for our future ‘outside the European union’, providing ‘certainty for individuals and businesses’ and ‘forging new trading relationships across the globe’.

Council also notes that, in his Mansion House speech, the Chancellor of the Exchequer placed his emphasis on ‘maintaining our strong trade links with European markets after we leave the EU, as well as seeking out new opportunities for trade and investment with old friends and fast growing emerging economies alike'.

Council is anxious, however, that the route to reaching these new arrangements is unlikely to be smooth and without difficulty and will have an impact on the national and Wirral economy. The Wirral economy benefits greatly from the presence of Vauxhalls. There is a real risk of administrative barriers, paperwork and tariffs affecting the supply chains, ease of assembly and production of vehicles.

Council, therefore, appreciates the concerns put by Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, who has reportedly said:

“We waited patiently to hear how the Government square the circle of leaving the single market and the customs union while maintaining our competitiveness. We have asked for clarity and certainty”.

Our region benefits from the contribution of other leading manufacturers. Council also appreciates the concerns set out by the EEF (formerly the Engineering Employers’ Federation) regarding access to the single market and inward investment, believing that these issues are highly relevant to the Wirral economy.

Council, therefore, hopes that the Government will do all it can to maintain the ease with which British businesses trade with their European counterparts and sell to European consumers. Council is of the belief that the single market is essential if we are to continue to trade freely and easily as a nation and that relationship remains important to the national, regional and local economy.

Council also seeks an early resolution on EU citizens’ rights in this country and is of the view that this is necessary for many sectors of the regional economy, from the exchange of ideas and research in our universities through to those working for our society in the NHS and caring sectors. Council welcomes their continuing contribution to all those sectors. 

Council is alarmed at reports that the number of European Union nurses coming to work in the UK has continued to fall since last summer, with many fewer joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council register. Council asks officers to obtain an up-to-date assessment of how this may be reflected in the local NHS.

Council, therefore, believes it is important to work closely with Wirral’s MPs to minimise the uncertainty and damage to our economy and services from Brexit, urges that they do their utmost to retain the advantages of the single market and work to secure whatever transitional arrangements are necessary to cope with the needs of the Wirral, regional and national economy.”

One amendment which had been circulated in advance of the meeting was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

Proposed by Councillor Ian Lewis

Seconded by Councillor David Burgess-Joyce

Delete the final two paragraphs.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with minute 36 ante, the Council did not debate this matter.

The amendment was put and lost (18:39) (One abstention).

The motion was put and carried (39:18) (One abstention).

Resolved (39:18) (One abstention) –

Council notes that the Queen’s Speech included commitments to honour the process of Brexit as interpreted by the Government. In particular, it aspired to securing ‘the best possible deal’, building the ‘widest possible consensus’ for our future ‘outside the European union’, providing ‘certainty for individuals and businesses’ and ‘forging new trading relationships across the globe’.

Council also notes that, in his Mansion House speech, the Chancellor of the Exchequer placed his emphasis on ‘maintaining our strong trade links with European markets after we leave the EU, as well as seeking out new opportunities for trade and investment with old friends and fast growing emerging economies alike'.

Council is anxious, however, that the route to reaching these new arrangements is unlikely to be smooth and without difficulty and will have an impact on the national and Wirral economy. The Wirral economy benefits greatly from the presence of Vauxhalls. There is a real risk of administrative barriers, paperwork and tariffs affecting the supply chains, ease of assembly and production of vehicles.

Council, therefore, appreciates the concerns put by Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, who has reportedly said:

“We waited patiently to hear how the Government square the circle of leaving the single market and the customs union while maintaining our competitiveness. We have asked for clarity and certainty”.

Our region benefits from the contribution of other leading manufacturers. Council also appreciates the concerns set out by the EEF (formerly the Engineering Employers’ Federation) regarding access to the single market and inward investment, believing that these issues are highly relevant to the Wirral economy.

Council, therefore, hopes that the Government will do all it can to maintain the ease with which British businesses trade with their European counterparts and sell to European consumers. Council is of the belief that the single market is essential if we are to continue to trade freely and easily as a nation and that relationship remains important to the national, regional and local economy.

Council also seeks an early resolution on EU citizens’ rights in this country and is of the view that this is necessary for many sectors of the regional economy, from the exchange of ideas and research in our universities through to those working for our society in the NHS and caring sectors. Council welcomes their continuing contribution to all those sectors. 

Council is alarmed at reports that the number of European Union nurses coming to work in the UK has continued to fall since last summer, with many fewer joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council register. Council asks officers to obtain an up-to-date assessment of how this may be reflected in the local NHS.

Council, therefore, believes it is important to work closely with Wirral’s MPs to minimise the uncertainty and damage to our economy and services from Brexit, urges that they do their utmost to retain the advantages of the single market and work to secure whatever transitional arrangements are necessary to cope with the needs of the Wirral, regional and national economy.