The Commission is a timebound research project which examines the impact of the UK departure from the European Union, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and the Windsor Framework.

We look more broadly at economic impacts and at wider issues including security and defence, health, education and human rights. Members of the Commission are leaders in business, journalism, civil society and academia. They work with a team of expert advisors.

The Commission recommends changes to the UK – EU relationship and collaboration which if implemented would improve outcomes for UK sectors, the people who live and work in the UK and for the EU and EU member states.

Recommendations are developed in collaboration with UK and EU politicians, officials, the private sector, civil society and research institutions in the UK and EU. We confer with elected EU figures, EU officials and Embassy figures.

As well as informing Government and other political figures we inform the public of our work, both to highlight and explain challenges created by current arrangements and to indicate ways forward which would benefit both the UK and EU.

FAQ 

The UK left the EU in 2020. Why is the Commission needed? 

The nature of the UK departure from the EU led to substantive change in the nature of our relationship with the EU. Our economy has been impacted. Beyond the economy there have been impacts in security and defence, healthcare, foreign policy, police and crime cooperation and many more. The Commission will investigate and document these impacts, and will propose changes to the agreements which if implemented would improve outcomes for both the UK and EU.

How is the Commission funded? 

The Commission is funded by a range of individuals and organisations including Henry Tinsley, David and Elaine Potter, Julian Richer, Prospect trade union, Musicians Union and many private sector organisations who take part in our work including Energy UK, Penta, RWE Energy, SSE and IFM. Please email contact@ukeucommission.org if you have any queries. 

How were members of the Commission chosen? 

Members of the Commission were chosen to ensure a wide range of experience and expertise. They include leaders from the business world, trade unions, journalism, academia and civil society. We have additional expertise available in an advisory group. We will take evidence from a wide range of sources.  

Why is the Commission needed, and why now? 

The nature of the departure of the UK from the European Union created challenges for a number of sectors. The new Government needs to address these challenges to ensure the viability of the UK economy and a host of other sectors of society. We will contribute ideas and plans to that process.

The first renegotiation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement is scheduled for 2026. We hope to inform the debate heading into that renegotiation on this side of the channel and within the EU. 

We in addition research and comment on non-economic issues including security, Northern Ireland, foreign policy, health and social care, human rights and governance.

Is the Commission attached to a political party or campaign group? 

The Commission is politically independent. We engage with all political parties at national level and within devolved nations, and with EU and EU27 leaders. We are not a campaign group. 

Will Commission meetings be public? 

Research meetings of the Commission will be held in private. We will issue regular press releases and reports on our findings and recommendations. The Director, co-chairs and Commission members will be available for comment. We will hold in person and online public events.

Will Commissioners be paid? 

Commissioners and Advisors are offering their services free of charge. Expenses, for example for travel, may be covered. Any such expenses will be made public. The Commission is staffed by the Director and a small research team. 

Is the Commission an official body?

The Commission is not an official body of the UK or any other government. The Commission is run by a private company, UK EU Future Ltd, which was formed for the sole purpose of enabling the Commission to operate. Our company number is 13742325. Our address is Aizlewood’s Mill, Nursery Street, Sheffield, S3 8GG.