60 Acknowledged

We recommend in particular that the Government provide further details at the earliest opportunity, and...

Recommendation
We recommend in particular that the Government provide further details at the earliest opportunity, and in any event in its response to this Report, about its proposals for sectoral alignment with the EU Single Market in additional areas as suggested by the Prime Minister. This should make clear in particular the sectors it has prioritised in that regard, and how it intends to take that forward with the EU in the run-up to the next UK-EU summit. The Government should also use existing avenues for consultation to give the sectors affected the opportunity to provide views on the Government’s intentions, before any further formal negotiations based around alignment with EU rules are initiated. (Recommendation, Paragraph 164)
Government Response Summary
The government states that there are areas where closer alignment with the EU can benefit UK businesses, drive growth, create jobs and lower prices, and it will continue to take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach, recognizing the importance of engaging industry as part of the UK-EU negotiations process.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The Government was elected on the basis of manifesto commitments to reset relations with our European Partners, while sticking to our red lines – that we will not return to the Customs Union, Single Market, or freedom of movement. That is what this Government has delivered – though we are clear there is more to do. There are clear areas where closer alignment with the EU can benefit UK businesses, drive growth, create jobs and lower prices. We are already aligning with the Single Market in some areas to drive down the prices of food and energy. This could add up to £5.1 billion a year to our economy, increase agricultural exports to the EU by 16%, and mean lorries will spend less time in queues at the border. Ultimately, this could reduce pressure on food prices for consumers. The Government will look at other areas where the UK and EU can work together, as set out in our manifesto. Deeper economic integration is in our collective interest. As the Prime Minister has stated, we want closer economic cooperation with the EU. It will benefit British businesses, British workers and British security, The Government will continue to take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach. We recognise the importance of engaging industry as part of the UK-EU negotiations process, and the Government is in regular dialogue with stakeholders through both formal TCA fora, like the Domestic Advisory Group and the Civil Society Forum, and departmental-led fora on specific thematic issues. Turning to recommendation 24 - In June 2025, Mr Lammy wrote to the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee to share the executive summaries of Sir Martin Donnelly’s reviews conducted in a personal, voluntary and unpaid capacity and independently from government, and the department’s response. It would not be appropriate to provide additional detail on individual review recommendations, which were made as independent