April 20th, 2017.


With Article 50 triggered, the MCIA’s Brexit group is working harder than ever to establish priorities and collaboratively achieve the least worst disentanglement from EU legislation.

The Motorcycle Industry Association’s Brexit group met last month to discuss the latest developments concerning the UK’s exit of the European Union and its likely impact for the motorcycle industry. The Association published its Brexit position in February.

Craig Carey-Clinch, who heads the MCIA’s public affairs team, spoke on the likely timetable for exiting the UK. Article 50 was triggered in late March; negotiations with the EU are scheduled for this month. The Great Repeal Bill is currently tabled for May 2017 and September 2018 is mooted as the deadline for completion of the exit plan, with any final deal planned for March 2019.

This was the group’s fifth meeting; it has met every two months since it was formed in September 2016. The MCIA states that its position may have to adapt accordingly as the political negotiations ensue. At this stage, the MCIA has made several points to government, including support for a bespoke automotive trading deal with the EU, which it insists should include motorcycles and should mirror existing arrangements for the single market for technical and trade regulations, but “with the capacity to remove the UK from those aspects which stifle innovation, impose burdensome regulation or suppress market development”. The Brexit group heard how it is vital that the motorcycle industry has a clear voice within any automotive deal, since its needs are distinct from the car industry in some areas.

For more on this topic, turn to pages 30 and 31 of the current April issue of Motorcycle Trader, or CLICK HERE to read it online.

The next Brexit meeting will be held on 8th May; meanwhile, the MCIA invites all interested parties to continue to submit observations, concerns and opportunities via the dedicated website www.mciabrexit.co.uk which is open to members and non-members alike.