CIPR and other UK trade bodies are entreating UK Government not to miss ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, trade bodies across the professional and businesses services sector are urging the UK government not to rush current trade negotiations with India on account of the current October deadline. A full list of those who signed the letter can be found below.

The letter entreats the UK government to hold out for the ‘once in a lifetime’ trade deal. It is anticipated that a deal with India would open up the UK service sector to new products and relationships, while helping to navigate complex legislative frameworks.

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is one of the bodies that has signed the letter. CIPR CEO Alastair McCapra says: “For continued growth [the PR industry] depends on genuine open and global markets.

“It is important that the focus remains on getting the right deal, not on rushing to meet deadlines.”

The letter was signed by the following organisations:

• Bar Council
• Chartered Institute of Public Relations
• Chemical Industries Association
• City of London Corporation 
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales 
• Law Society of England and Wales 
• MakeUK 
• Professional and Business Services Council (Business-side) 
• Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders 
• TechUK 
• The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry