This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44805565

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Brexit services plan is 'blow' to City Brexit services plan will speed up relocation, says Lloyd's boss
(35 minutes later)
The government's plan for UK relations with the EU will restrict jobs and is a "real blow", the governing body of London's financial district has said. The Lloyd's of London chief chief says the government's plan for relations with the EU after Brexit will speed up the departure of firms from the UK.
The City of London Corporation and finance groups are unhappy plans for EU and UK financial services to mutually recognise rules have been dropped. Inga Beale told the BBC the White Paper would see the 300-year old insurance market go "full speed ahead" to set up its subsidiary in Brussels - and would spur others on.
Service sector groups say the plan will curb jobs and is a "real blow".
However, non-services groups were more positive.
Services, including banks, insurance companies and investment firms, make up 80% of the UK economy and are one of its most successful exports to the EU.Services, including banks, insurance companies and investment firms, make up 80% of the UK economy and are one of its most successful exports to the EU.
Non-services groups were more positive.
The government wants UK financial services in future to adopt a beefed up version of a system already used by certain non-EU countries, including the US, Japan and China, whereby they agree to meet certain EU rules to keep access to the bloc.The government wants UK financial services in future to adopt a beefed up version of a system already used by certain non-EU countries, including the US, Japan and China, whereby they agree to meet certain EU rules to keep access to the bloc.
These rules are equivalent to each other in some areas.These rules are equivalent to each other in some areas.
Ms Beale, the chief executive of Lloyd's, said: "Professional and financial services are really not catered for at all and it's very disappointing. We make up basically 80% of the economy of the UK.
"Lloyd's is to open a subsidiary in Brussels so we will be full steam ahead, and many other banks, insurers and other financial services firms will be moving at pace now."
She said the plans would have a real impact: "We will no longer be licensed to write business or offer insurance within the EU 27 and this can get right down to personal protection.
"If you've got insurance for your pet and you like to travel to the continent for a holiday, there's a question as to whether your policy will cover you - so this is really serious stuff."
Huw Evans, director-general of the Association of British Insurers, said: "Whatever the final outcome, the insurance industry is too important to be a rule taker.
"Having to comply with financial regulations we have no say over would be the worst possible scenario for our world leading insurance sector, so we will look to the government to negotiate a better outcome than this."
The City of London Corporation, which governs London's financial district, said dropping the push for mutual recognition for so-called "equivalence" would curb business opportunities with European counterparts and was a "real blow".The City of London Corporation, which governs London's financial district, said dropping the push for mutual recognition for so-called "equivalence" would curb business opportunities with European counterparts and was a "real blow".
Equivalence v mutual recognitionEquivalence v mutual recognition
Jonty Bloom, business correspondentJonty Bloom, business correspondent
What is the difference between mutual recognition and equivalence?What is the difference between mutual recognition and equivalence?
One rationale for Brexit is that the UK can adopt its own standards and regulations and get rid of all that Brussels red tape. But to ensure as frictionless trade as possible it also wants to have these standards recognised automatically in the EU. That is mutual recognition and to the EU it is having your cake and eating it as well, and therefore unacceptable.One rationale for Brexit is that the UK can adopt its own standards and regulations and get rid of all that Brussels red tape. But to ensure as frictionless trade as possible it also wants to have these standards recognised automatically in the EU. That is mutual recognition and to the EU it is having your cake and eating it as well, and therefore unacceptable.
With equivalence, the EU would decide that UK regulations in a specific area achieve the same regulatory objectives even if they do not follow the exact same EU laws. But the rub is that the EU assesses whether that third country meets its standards. It normally does this industry by industry, and it can withdraw its approval at very short notice.With equivalence, the EU would decide that UK regulations in a specific area achieve the same regulatory objectives even if they do not follow the exact same EU laws. But the rub is that the EU assesses whether that third country meets its standards. It normally does this industry by industry, and it can withdraw its approval at very short notice.
Settling for equivalence for services (including financial services) will therefore be unpopular with many companies who had hoped that the Treasury, which was campaigning hard for mutual recognition, would fight their corner.Settling for equivalence for services (including financial services) will therefore be unpopular with many companies who had hoped that the Treasury, which was campaigning hard for mutual recognition, would fight their corner.
'Step forward''Step forward'
TheCityUK, the professional services lobby group, called the proposals for services "regrettable and frustrating".TheCityUK, the professional services lobby group, called the proposals for services "regrettable and frustrating".
Trade association UK Finance said that simply relying on existing equivalence arrangements would not provide financial institutions with effective market access, but it said the government was right to seek to strengthen and expand equivalence rules.Trade association UK Finance said that simply relying on existing equivalence arrangements would not provide financial institutions with effective market access, but it said the government was right to seek to strengthen and expand equivalence rules.
Other industry groups hailed the paper as progress.Other industry groups hailed the paper as progress.
The EEF, which represents major manufacturers, said it was "a very positive and constructive step forward", but added that more work was needed. The EEF, which represents major manufacturers, called it a "very positive and constructive step forward" but said more work was needed.
Stephen Phipson, the EEF's chief executive, said his group was "pleased with the focus on a simple movement of goods, the protection of the integrated supply chain and a lack of friction at the border." The CBI welcomed the plans and said "protecting jobs and investment now and in future should be the guiding star for both sets of negotiators".
The CBI said the plans were "welcome - protecting jobs and investment now and in future should be the guiding star for both sets of negotiators". The British Chambers of Commerce called it a "welcome starting point" for businesses.
And the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) called it a "welcome starting point" for businesses.