Barring any last minute surprises, Andy Burnham will take over as prime minister from Sir Keir Starmer, marking a remarkable route into Downing Street for the former Greater Manchester mayor and former minister.
Ahead of the new administration coming into office, senior leaders and policy experts from the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade set out their key ‘asks’ for the new government on international trade, customs reform and economic security.
Marco Forgione – director general
“The EU is still one of the UK's most important trading partners, so it is encouraging to hear Andy Burnham’s commitment to prioritise the UK-EU negotiations.
“Business wants a more ambitious, collaborative partnership with the EU but, crucially, not at any cost. We must find more effective ways for industry and government to work together on reducing trade frictions especially with the EU. There are opportunities for greater use of technology and mutual recognition agreements. But it’s important we don’t alienate other important trade partners as the government negotiates a new EU UK agreement.
“As the UK continues to build trade relationships around the world, we know that the strength of free trade agreements lies in the ability of businesses to use them effectively and to understand each market specifically. It’s clear many countries are realigning their trade strategies. It is so important that the incoming administration responds to this shifting landscape by aligning trade and economic security priorities and ensuring that industry and government work hand-in-hand on solutions for a secure future.”
Anna Doherty, technical director
“The government should continue to not only modernise the systems underpinning the international trade, but also the policy behind it. Businesses that import and export goods face a myriad of challenges at the border, and trading internationally is one of the most important parts of growing the UK economy. Burnham’s new cabinet should ensure that its customs and trade policy supports companies of all sizes grow their sales and protect their supply chains.
"There also needs to be an effective strategy on customs that brings together a key grouping of government departments – including HMRC, Treasury, Border Force, DEFRA and DBT – with industry stakeholders like the Chartered Institute on a regular basis.
"With the UK CBAM entering into force in January 2027, an upcoming consultation on the UK deforestation regime, the UK – EU SPS Agreement and changes to the Low Value Imports, there is a lot of activity that businesses are struggling to keep up with. And without a cohesive cross-government approach supported by industry, it will be difficult to implement these changes successfully.”
Grace Thompson, UK public affairs lead
"Burnham has been clear that he wants an approach which devolves more power to regions, even calling for a No.10 North.
“In a report we undertook with Flint Global on services export potential by region, we could certainly see the regional imbalances in relation to productivity and export by region, and the picture is much the same for goods exports.
“As part of Burnham’s aim to deliver ‘good growth in every British postcode’, we would ask for him to ensure that a core part of this framework is bolstering direct access to financial support for small business exporters, through whom job creation and regional wealth multiplies.
“This goal can be supported by improved data understanding of who the businesses are, across regions, which are most in need of support, and ensuring that signposting to this support is improved between government and industry. Lack of understanding of support available is a regular challenge our members raise."
Ilona Kawka, digital trade and customs specialist
"A key priority for the incoming team is to lead on the international stage, and this means they must lead the way on modern border solutions, utilise disruptive technologies and further enable digital trade.
“Digital trade agreements and digital economy agreements must be prioritised, as they often provide more in-depth provisions for paperless trade beyond expansive agreements. All our trading relationships must be couched in a culture of transparency, which ensures that trade data is processed correctly via recognised developments in data security, ownership and intellectual property.
“Likewise, the UK must do more to lead the way internationally on industry adoption of digital solutions, particularly for smaller businesses. The only way to ensure that technologies like AI truly drive national economic benefit is for every exporting business across the UK to be able to unlock the benefits of digital tools to support their own growth.”
Daniela Turiccki, director of defence and export controls
“The government has been given a challenge on defence spending and supply chains as a holdover from the last government.
“Burnham and his cabinet need to deliver on economic security, funding for key defence industries and resolve any ambiguities around the Defence Investment Plan. SME support for procurement and exporting must continue to be a priority which government and industry work on together.
“There also needs to be a modernisation of the entire system of export controls compliance, not least on export controls licensing. Keeping compliant can be difficult for many businesses, particularly SMEs, and we need the new administration to ‘connect the dots’ on a host of different issues: export controls, sanctions guidance and licensing.”
