We are delighted to be co-hosting an important conference in Tokyo today on the Japanese economy featuring Commissioners and members of our International Advisory Board!

Andy Burnham has what he wants - everyone’s debating whether he’ll try to take us back into the EU rather than how he’ll address the immediate economic challenges he faces (to which he has no answer). But loose talk of rejoining in future is not consequence-free. It could affect people’s jobs right now. We’re in live negotiations with the EU on an SPS deal that is being used to get concessions in other areas. Brexit has allowed us to secure better deals than the EU has with other countries inc on automotive and pharmaceuticals. But those deals could unravel if we align too closely with the EU and the PM is actively weakening our hand. Plus we could give up our ability to regulate as we want on the industries of the future like agritech and AI. This week, I’ve written to Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, to ask how he’s safeguarding the interests of British business. Reynolds knows full well that ongoing chatter about our EU relationship is not want business wants - he’s said so publicly. Will he be telling his boss that he’s risking the trade deals that Sir Keir Starmer secured and the jobs that rely on them?

💥REMINDER💥 Our fringe meeting at @Conservatives Conference TODAY will feature our Chairman @ShankerASingham in conversation with Shadow Chancellor @griffitha: 📈Hopw to get Britain Growing? ⏰12.30pm, Tuesday 6th October 📍Hall 8a, Birmingham ICC ⚠️Conference pass required