Wednesday, 21 February 2018 ()
by Graham Pierrepoint 
It’s hard to believe that, in just over a year, the UK should be finalizing its way out of the European Union. The decision to leave the EU has been nothing short of momentous, meaning that laws and statutes will need to be untangled in order for the UK to recover – and despite negative press in the UK regarding the negotiation process, talks have continued on a rather respectful basis, despite continued fears from both camps as to what benefits Brexit could actually bring the country in the long run. Beyond this, however, Brexit secretary David Davis has assured people this week not to worry about the state of the country once the exit has been initiated.
Davis advised that he wished for there to be a focus on the UK leading a ‘global race to the top’, asserting that despite fears of what may happen to the country after they have unblinded from the EU, no one should expect a ‘Mad Max style world borrowed from dystopian fiction’. The secretary was also keen to advise that a full deal on Brexit looked very likely by the end of 2018 – having advised this and the above to various Austrian business representatives in Vienna at the start of the week.
Watch: ▶ U.K.'s Davis Promises 'Race to the Top' on Regulation
The UK will leave the single market and this therefore makes matters of trade a little bit different going forwards. The country is keen to retain strong trading partnerships with EU countries by focusing on what Davis has referred to as a ‘track record of meeting high standards’. Certainly, the idea in play here appears to be a keen focus on establishing new bonds and economic standards – avoiding media rhetoric and concern over what will happen to British society once the exit has been completed.
There have been a few bumps in the road along the way towards a clean, safe Brexit – EU negotiator Michel Barnier has previously advised that the UK cannot create their own standards and expect them to be recognised likewise in the EU, at least not right away. There continues to be concern within the UK, too, cross-party and even within the governing Conservative Party themselves – as Prime Minister Theresa May continues to cling to power despite growing dissent in her leadership. Where will the UK be by the year’s end? David Davis says – and certainly hopes – in a prime position to take on Brexit with confidence next year.
