Chancellor Rachel Reeves spoke last week at a meeting of EU finance ministers as part of the government’s attempt to perform an economic reset with the EU. It was the first time a UK chancellor has attended such an event since the UK left the EU.
The Chancellor spoke about tackling shared challenges including the war in Ukraine, championing free trade as a driver of economic competitiveness, and strengthening bilateral economic partnerships. She said she was looking for a reset that would break down barriers to trade, create opportunities to invest and help businesses in both the UK and EU countries to sell in each other’s markets.
The speech was part of a trip where the Chancellor attended a series of bi-lateral meetings with European counterparts.
No return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement is planned. However, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von de Leyen and Keir Starmer agreed on October 2 to strengthen the UK-EU relationship and put it on a more solid, stable footing.
The business community waits to see how these discussions will translate into concrete changes with EU trading partners.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-calls-for-business-like-relationship-with-eu
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have announced the launch of a new interactive online tool and clearer guidance for those who are already self-employed and those considering it.
With the holidays and end of the year fast approaching, it’s a good time to plan your finances for the new year. For those who file Self Assessment tax returns, the prospect of having to make a heavy tax payment at the end of January 2025 may be causing you concern.