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Second set of Balance of Competences reports published
The Foreign Secretary William Hague welcomed the publication of the second set of reports in the Review of the Balance of Competences. This follows the publication of the first set of reports in July 2013.
The Review of the Balance of Competences is part of a Coalition commitment to analyse and examine the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU). Today sees the publication of reports covering the free movement of goods; asylum and non-EU migration; trade and investment; environment and climate change; transport; research and development; tourism, culture and sport; and civil judicial cooperation.
The Foreign Secretary said:
This review is the most extensive analysis of the impact of EU membership on the UK ever undertaken. I appreciate the contributions provided by individuals, business and other organisations whose views form the basis of these reports. We are now starting to publish a substantial amount of evidence about the impact that the EU has on our everyday lives that will inform the wider debate about reform both at home and in Europe.
The reports were produced after extensive consultation with a wide range of organisations with direct experience of the impact of the UK’s membership of the EU. They draw on over 600 pieces of written evidence from contributors including businesses such as Rolls Royce and the Premier League; trade associations such as the Confederation of British Industry and the Federation of Small Businesses; think-tanks such as Open Europe, the Centre for European Reform and the Taxpayers’ Alliance; civil society groups such as English Heritage; and professional membership associations such as the Royal Academy of Engineering. Local government, parliamentary committees, Members of the European Parliament, international partners and organisations, and representatives from the Devolved Administrations and the Crown Dependencies also contributed.
Another 18 reports are due to be issued between now and the end of 2014. The third semester reports are due to be published this summer and calls for evidence for the fourth set of reports will be launched this spring.
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