MEP delivers lecture live from Brussels
An MEP this week broadcast a lecture live from the European Parliament in Brussels, to Leeds’ to Leeds’ students studying the European Business module on the MSc and BSc International Business.
Dr Syed Kamall, MEP for London and Leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group in the European Parliament, delivered the lecture “European Business – Brexit: UK – EU relations” on Tuesday 7 November.
Dr Kamall discussed his opinions on the future of the UK – EU relationship, looking at the different options that might govern the economic and commercial sphere. This included:
- The future of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), and the possibility that UK parties may choose for their cases to be heard in the ECJ.
- Imports and exports between the UK and EU. In crafting Britain’s future trading relationship with the world, Dr Kamall was optimistic that the UK would be able to negotiate trade agreements that better fitted its needs than the EU would have been able to negotiate on Britain’s behalf.
- Immigration. Dr Kamall stressed that the UK should have a fair immigration policy towards the world as a whole, including the member states of the EU. Dr Kamall argued that immigration should proceed on the basis of what the individual can bring to the UK economy, regardless of where he or she comes from.
- In terms of financial services, Dr Kamall was against the concept of ‘Big Banks Brexit’ in that Brexit should not be distorted to favour only one sector, but should take into account the needs of all sectors, including fishing, agriculture, manufacturing, small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Cooperation beyond an EU-UK trade deal, considering military, diplomatic and intelligence cooperation, data sharing, and air services agreements.
Dr Kamall participated in a Q&A with the students, responding to questions on the freedom of movement of labour, and EU/UK relationships with the rest of the world after Brexit.
