Organisations representing the engineering profession have agreed to work together to provide advice to the Government for EU negotiations following the result of the recent EU referendum.
At a meeting on 29 June, the 38 organisations, including the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), agreed that it is essential that the engineering profession unites in the national interest by supporting the government. They have asked the Royal Academy of Engineering, with its natural position as a convener of UK engineering, and close links with government, to lead this work.
The result of the referendum will have a material effect on UK engineering, which accounts for some 27% of UK GDP and over half of its exports. It is critical to the future of the UK that the Government’s plan is informed by a clear understanding of the potential solutions, opportunities and risks from the perspective of UK engineering.
In addition, the organisations point out that it is important to ensure that the UK maintains its position as a centre of world class engineering research, remains embedded in setting globally recognised codes and standards, has access to the
A project has been established to consult widely across engineering and beyond, gather evidence, analyse the risks and opportunities and produce advice to underpin a strong negotiating position and a positive result for the UK. The organisations are also working closely with national academies to explore how they can best support government in the task ahead.
A letter has been sent outlining the offer of support to the Rt Hon Oliver Letwin MP, whose team at the European Union Unit is leading the transition planning.
IET chief executive, Nigel Fine, said: “This is a period of huge change and uncertainty so it’s imperative that we work together to ensure the best outcomes for UK engineering, which is so important to a vibrant and successful economy. We will do everything we can to ensure the interests of engineers and UK engineering are represented as strongly as possible.”
Philip Greenish CBE, chief executive of the Academy, said: “Never in my lifetime has there been an issue that so emphatically requires strategic collaboration across the engineering profession. We are rising to this challenge and pooling our resources to provide government with the best advice and access to our networks to inform its planning and leadership role. We are building a new, proactive framework for making engineering advice available to government on these critical matters for now and for the duration of the change process.”