Daily Briefing – Wednesday 20th May

Welcome to your Wednesday morning briefing of the stories likely to be leading the news agenda - our picks for today include:

• The ongoing Labour leadership debate - which candidate supports re-joining the EU the most
• The Freedom Association "Brexit Unleashed" event in Westminster
• House of Lords committee on dynamic alignment
• The UK-GCC FTA is imminent

The Labour Leadership Debate

This story will unfortunately be the primary story for likely the next few months, until such time as the Makerfield by-election has taken place and the runners and riders for the top job confirmed following the outcome. However the battleground currently appears to be around playing political games with pro-EU credentials, to try to unbalance competitors.

• Read more about the Streeting and Burnham comments on re-joining the EU here

The Freedom Association Event in Westminster

Our friends over at The Freedom Association organised a fantastic day of discussion and debate from the position of Brexit success and optimism, with a number of Britain Unbound contributors taking part. We will be featuring their commentaries and speeches, and sharing the videos from the day as they emerge.

House of Lords Committee on Dynamic Alignment

Yesterday a number of speakers were invited to take part in the House of Lords European Affairs Committee inquiry into the impacts of UK government policy of dynamic alignment with the EU. This featured an excellent contribution from trade expert and Britain Unbound Advisory Council member, Catherine McBride.

• Watch the full session of the inquiry on the Parliament website here

The UK-GCC FTA is Imminent

Multiple news outlets are now reporting that the UK and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council will shake hands on a new comprehensive trade deal later today, when the Secretary-General of the GCC visits London. The EU trades with the GCC members on WTO terms, so much like the India and CPTPP deals, this will be seen to be a big win from a Brexit perspective, reducing trade barriers and putting further distance between the UK and the EU Customs Union.

• Read about the imminent UK-GCC FTA here