In our latest series of leadership quotations, we hear from Liz Truss and Toshimitsu Motegi on the UK-Japan trade agreement, from The Richards Stephens Partnership on the lack of STEM graduates, from Inga Neaves on the desirability of studying in the UK, and from Michel Barnier on the likelihood of a UK-EU trade deal.
Toshimitsu Motegi
‘It is of paramount importance that the supply chain between the United Kingdom and the European Union is maintained even after the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. Japan has high hopes that an agreement is reached soon on the negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union on their future partnership.’ (The Japanese foreign minister after signing the post-Brexit Japan-UK free trade agreement)
Liz Truss
‘The fact is, the growth in the world is coming from the Pacific and the Americas, and those opportunities are now open to us. In the EU we were in the trade slow lane – we weren't able to achieve British-shaped deals that reflected our unique strengths as a country.’ (The international trade secretary on Britain’s future trade ambitions)
The Richard Stephens Partnership
‘All of our graduates are from Ireland and mainland Europe – we want to try and establish a profile in local schools and colleges, but the curriculum has changed and there’s a lack of careers advice. It’s bad for the industry, but, moreover, it’s bad for the economy.’ (The engineering experts on the shortage of STEM graduates).
Inga Neaves
‘Leaving the EU does not seem to have affected foreign interest in attending schools and universities in Britain, despite fears to the contrary in some circles. Indeed, we continue to see reinforced positive attitudes in our clients towards the British education system. Multicultural British society is filled with energy and enthusiasm and provides endless opportunity.’ (The Scion Mastery director on the future of oversees students in Britain)
Michel Barnier
‘There will not be a trade deal without a fair solution for fishermen on both sides and we will insist on this right up until the very end. There needs to be mutual access to waters and a fair distribution of quotas for fishermen on both sides.’ (The EU’s Brexit negotiator on the likelihood of a trade deal).
Jerome Vicquelin
‘I was rather blunt and said: “It’s all well and good you came, but I’m worried because... just a 10-15% cut in turnover... would be a disaster over the long term. They were blunt too. They said it won’t be the same as before. For me it’s clear, they just want to try to limit damages as much as possible.’ (The French fisherman on his discussions with Paris envoys)
