Joël Reland
@jreland.bsky.social
Research Fellow at UK in a Changing Europe. Looking at UK-EU relations, regulatory divergence and European politics.
And why does he think the opposite happened? More red tape is the logical consequence of de-integrating from your largest trading market. More complicated to import and export. Only the biggest firms can afford to bear those costs.
November 10, 2025 at 1:55 PM
And why does he think the opposite happened? More red tape is the logical consequence of de-integrating from your largest trading market. More complicated to import and export. Only the biggest firms can afford to bear those costs.
Yesterday Nigel Farage argued that the UK has failed to grasp Brexit opportunities to deregulate, which his 'pro-business' government would deliver.
I've got a piece in the Independent arguing why that is a misreading both of Brexit history and economics.
www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexi...
I've got a piece in the Independent arguing why that is a misreading both of Brexit history and economics.
www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexi...
November 4, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Yesterday Nigel Farage argued that the UK has failed to grasp Brexit opportunities to deregulate, which his 'pro-business' government would deliver.
I've got a piece in the Independent arguing why that is a misreading both of Brexit history and economics.
www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexi...
I've got a piece in the Independent arguing why that is a misreading both of Brexit history and economics.
www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexi...
This chart sums up the challenge. There are lots of cases of the UK taking active steps to align with EU regulations – but there are even more cases where the EU has diverged and the UK has not followed suit
October 21, 2025 at 10:18 AM
This chart sums up the challenge. There are lots of cases of the UK taking active steps to align with EU regulations – but there are even more cases where the EU has diverged and the UK has not followed suit
Interesting piece on the success of the Social Democratic government in Spain and the lessons for Labour. The penultimate paragraph was particularly striking renewal.org.uk/articles/dar...
September 24, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Interesting piece on the success of the Social Democratic government in Spain and the lessons for Labour. The penultimate paragraph was particularly striking renewal.org.uk/articles/dar...
The handful of agreements made at the UK-EU summit have been well publicised, but the tracker finds that the scale of UK-EU ‘alignment’ (UK and EU regs moving closer together) goes well beyond that, with 21 cases in all.
This can be split into three key trends...
This can be split into three key trends...
July 16, 2025 at 10:46 AM
The handful of agreements made at the UK-EU summit have been well publicised, but the tracker finds that the scale of UK-EU ‘alignment’ (UK and EU regs moving closer together) goes well beyond that, with 21 cases in all.
This can be split into three key trends...
This can be split into three key trends...
On the 9th anniversary of the EU referendum, we are now in a new era of more rational, less ideological UK Policy towards the EU.
But I argue that this brings new challenges - around how to deliver closer alignment. Govt faces a choice between two paths: 'replication' and 'integration'
But I argue that this brings new challenges - around how to deliver closer alignment. Govt faces a choice between two paths: 'replication' and 'integration'
June 23, 2025 at 10:52 AM
On the 9th anniversary of the EU referendum, we are now in a new era of more rational, less ideological UK Policy towards the EU.
But I argue that this brings new challenges - around how to deliver closer alignment. Govt faces a choice between two paths: 'replication' and 'integration'
But I argue that this brings new challenges - around how to deliver closer alignment. Govt faces a choice between two paths: 'replication' and 'integration'
Reminder that the level of EU access to UK fishing waters, now being called an act of capitulation, will remain exactly the same as under the terms negotiated by Boris Johnson ukandeu.ac.uk/explainers/e...
May 19, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Reminder that the level of EU access to UK fishing waters, now being called an act of capitulation, will remain exactly the same as under the terms negotiated by Boris Johnson ukandeu.ac.uk/explainers/e...
Section 3 looks at how regulatory policy can be leveraged to improve UK-EU trade.
It shows that there is a clear and unavoidable trade-off between sovereignty and ease of trade. If you want to remove most trade barriers (e.g. on SPS) the price you pay is 'dynamic alignment' with EU rules.
It shows that there is a clear and unavoidable trade-off between sovereignty and ease of trade. If you want to remove most trade barriers (e.g. on SPS) the price you pay is 'dynamic alignment' with EU rules.
May 13, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Section 3 looks at how regulatory policy can be leveraged to improve UK-EU trade.
It shows that there is a clear and unavoidable trade-off between sovereignty and ease of trade. If you want to remove most trade barriers (e.g. on SPS) the price you pay is 'dynamic alignment' with EU rules.
It shows that there is a clear and unavoidable trade-off between sovereignty and ease of trade. If you want to remove most trade barriers (e.g. on SPS) the price you pay is 'dynamic alignment' with EU rules.
Section 2 asks what reg challenges the new govt has inherited.
EU-led divergence remains a problem, as this creates trade friction with EU/NI.
Govt is developing powers to mirror EU laws which will help offset unwanted 'passive' divergence in future (especially on product regs).
EU-led divergence remains a problem, as this creates trade friction with EU/NI.
Govt is developing powers to mirror EU laws which will help offset unwanted 'passive' divergence in future (especially on product regs).
May 13, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Section 2 asks what reg challenges the new govt has inherited.
EU-led divergence remains a problem, as this creates trade friction with EU/NI.
Govt is developing powers to mirror EU laws which will help offset unwanted 'passive' divergence in future (especially on product regs).
EU-led divergence remains a problem, as this creates trade friction with EU/NI.
Govt is developing powers to mirror EU laws which will help offset unwanted 'passive' divergence in future (especially on product regs).
Section 1 looks at Conservative attempts to use 'Brexit freedoms' to diverge from EU rules.
It finds that the UK has delivered very little meaningful divergence bar a few symbolic changes (champagne in pint-sized bottles!)
Why? Divergence adds trade cost. Gov lacked a plan. Little state capacity.
It finds that the UK has delivered very little meaningful divergence bar a few symbolic changes (champagne in pint-sized bottles!)
Why? Divergence adds trade cost. Gov lacked a plan. Little state capacity.
May 13, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Section 1 looks at Conservative attempts to use 'Brexit freedoms' to diverge from EU rules.
It finds that the UK has delivered very little meaningful divergence bar a few symbolic changes (champagne in pint-sized bottles!)
Why? Divergence adds trade cost. Gov lacked a plan. Little state capacity.
It finds that the UK has delivered very little meaningful divergence bar a few symbolic changes (champagne in pint-sized bottles!)
Why? Divergence adds trade cost. Gov lacked a plan. Little state capacity.
Agree re many using it as shorthand. But in this case I think Clegg and the Obs are explicitly calling for *the* CU + SM but without full FOM, as something the EU should offer in exchange for a defence union. Hence my 'deeply unserious' comment
April 27, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Agree re many using it as shorthand. But in this case I think Clegg and the Obs are explicitly calling for *the* CU + SM but without full FOM, as something the EU should offer in exchange for a defence union. Hence my 'deeply unserious' comment
Very confused editorial. If the UK is to reintegrate into the EU, it will be on the EU's terms. Trying to lead the process and ask for special treatment (customs union but no freedom of movement) which no member state enjoys is a deeply un-serious proposal
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
April 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Very confused editorial. If the UK is to reintegrate into the EU, it will be on the EU's terms. Trying to lead the process and ask for special treatment (customs union but no freedom of movement) which no member state enjoys is a deeply un-serious proposal
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
What an interaction from the last meeting of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
April 25, 2025 at 5:18 PM
What an interaction from the last meeting of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
With talk that a UK-EU deal on fish is close, here's an explainer with all you need to know. Key points:
⬆️ UK catches are up post-Brexit, but only in Scotland and NI.
⬇️ But UK fish exports are down, due to Brexit bureaucracy.
🎣 Sector has more to gain from an SPS deal than larger fish quotas.
⬆️ UK catches are up post-Brexit, but only in Scotland and NI.
⬇️ But UK fish exports are down, due to Brexit bureaucracy.
🎣 Sector has more to gain from an SPS deal than larger fish quotas.
April 24, 2025 at 11:11 AM
With talk that a UK-EU deal on fish is close, here's an explainer with all you need to know. Key points:
⬆️ UK catches are up post-Brexit, but only in Scotland and NI.
⬇️ But UK fish exports are down, due to Brexit bureaucracy.
🎣 Sector has more to gain from an SPS deal than larger fish quotas.
⬆️ UK catches are up post-Brexit, but only in Scotland and NI.
⬇️ But UK fish exports are down, due to Brexit bureaucracy.
🎣 Sector has more to gain from an SPS deal than larger fish quotas.
This is interesting on the idea of a UK-EU common defence market on.ft.com/4c2r5wa
FWIW I think the UK could become more 'Swiss', with some selective access to the EU market, *if* it can think strategically about where to do it, swallow EU rules, and not upset things by getting into bed with Trump
FWIW I think the UK could become more 'Swiss', with some selective access to the EU market, *if* it can think strategically about where to do it, swallow EU rules, and not upset things by getting into bed with Trump
March 24, 2025 at 5:39 PM
This is interesting on the idea of a UK-EU common defence market on.ft.com/4c2r5wa
FWIW I think the UK could become more 'Swiss', with some selective access to the EU market, *if* it can think strategically about where to do it, swallow EU rules, and not upset things by getting into bed with Trump
FWIW I think the UK could become more 'Swiss', with some selective access to the EU market, *if* it can think strategically about where to do it, swallow EU rules, and not upset things by getting into bed with Trump
Interesting read: www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
This section stood out for me. Signs that London is ready to accept the necessary trade offs to achieve its key asks (by no means a given in the past...)
This section stood out for me. Signs that London is ready to accept the necessary trade offs to achieve its key asks (by no means a given in the past...)
February 21, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Interesting read: www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
This section stood out for me. Signs that London is ready to accept the necessary trade offs to achieve its key asks (by no means a given in the past...)
This section stood out for me. Signs that London is ready to accept the necessary trade offs to achieve its key asks (by no means a given in the past...)
I was particularly struck by this point when researching the piece.
Though we always talk about the TCA providing tariff-free trade between the UK and EU, in fact many exporters face tariffs because they can't meet the technical requirements. A customs union would negate those costs.
Though we always talk about the TCA providing tariff-free trade between the UK and EU, in fact many exporters face tariffs because they can't meet the technical requirements. A customs union would negate those costs.
February 6, 2025 at 10:28 AM
I was particularly struck by this point when researching the piece.
Though we always talk about the TCA providing tariff-free trade between the UK and EU, in fact many exporters face tariffs because they can't meet the technical requirements. A customs union would negate those costs.
Though we always talk about the TCA providing tariff-free trade between the UK and EU, in fact many exporters face tariffs because they can't meet the technical requirements. A customs union would negate those costs.
January 28, 2025 at 4:12 PM
The idea that joining PEM makes us 'rule takers' is absolute nonsense. But this type of comment is probably why govt is so cautious about it.
Most voters won't read up on 'diagonal accumulation' - they will just hear the words 'customs' 'agreement' and 'Europe', and that gives a rejoiny vibe
Most voters won't read up on 'diagonal accumulation' - they will just hear the words 'customs' 'agreement' and 'Europe', and that gives a rejoiny vibe
January 23, 2025 at 11:23 AM
The idea that joining PEM makes us 'rule takers' is absolute nonsense. But this type of comment is probably why govt is so cautious about it.
Most voters won't read up on 'diagonal accumulation' - they will just hear the words 'customs' 'agreement' and 'Europe', and that gives a rejoiny vibe
Most voters won't read up on 'diagonal accumulation' - they will just hear the words 'customs' 'agreement' and 'Europe', and that gives a rejoiny vibe
This para from Starmer is remarkably reminiscent of the Boris Johnson "Brexit benefits" glory years.
Vague promises about a "distinctively British" approach unleashing "national renewal" are normally a sign that there's no clear plan beneath.
on.ft.com/42ahKPS
Vague promises about a "distinctively British" approach unleashing "national renewal" are normally a sign that there's no clear plan beneath.
on.ft.com/42ahKPS
January 13, 2025 at 10:58 AM
This para from Starmer is remarkably reminiscent of the Boris Johnson "Brexit benefits" glory years.
Vague promises about a "distinctively British" approach unleashing "national renewal" are normally a sign that there's no clear plan beneath.
on.ft.com/42ahKPS
Vague promises about a "distinctively British" approach unleashing "national renewal" are normally a sign that there's no clear plan beneath.
on.ft.com/42ahKPS
What's this all about, you ask... Our latest divergence tracker has you covered (page 25) media.ukandeu.ac.uk/wp-content/u...
December 19, 2024 at 4:15 PM
What's this all about, you ask... Our latest divergence tracker has you covered (page 25) media.ukandeu.ac.uk/wp-content/u...
Odd that closer EU cooperation doesn't get any mention in this document. As our recent report makes clear, solving inefficiencies in UK-EU energy trading, and greater UK access to the 'NSEC' group of north sea states, would both help meet the 2030 target ukandeu.ac.uk/reports/uk-e...
December 13, 2024 at 2:13 PM
Odd that closer EU cooperation doesn't get any mention in this document. As our recent report makes clear, solving inefficiencies in UK-EU energy trading, and greater UK access to the 'NSEC' group of north sea states, would both help meet the 2030 target ukandeu.ac.uk/reports/uk-e...
*Incredibly* misleading.
The actual question: would you allow EU citizens to "travel, live & work" in the UK (many do already, doesn't mean free movement) in exchange for "special access to" (not membership of) the EU market.
Might as well have asked would you like to have your cake and eat it?
The actual question: would you allow EU citizens to "travel, live & work" in the UK (many do already, doesn't mean free movement) in exchange for "special access to" (not membership of) the EU market.
Might as well have asked would you like to have your cake and eat it?
December 12, 2024 at 10:59 AM
*Incredibly* misleading.
The actual question: would you allow EU citizens to "travel, live & work" in the UK (many do already, doesn't mean free movement) in exchange for "special access to" (not membership of) the EU market.
Might as well have asked would you like to have your cake and eat it?
The actual question: would you allow EU citizens to "travel, live & work" in the UK (many do already, doesn't mean free movement) in exchange for "special access to" (not membership of) the EU market.
Might as well have asked would you like to have your cake and eat it?
Interesting chart from Politico. What are the Dutch importing so much of from South America??
December 6, 2024 at 4:24 PM
Interesting chart from Politico. What are the Dutch importing so much of from South America??
Delighted to have brought the Policy Institute Bake Off 2024 title home for @ukandeu.bsky.social
We are of course open to funding offers from Big Baking.
We are of course open to funding offers from Big Baking.
November 19, 2024 at 11:42 AM
Delighted to have brought the Policy Institute Bake Off 2024 title home for @ukandeu.bsky.social
We are of course open to funding offers from Big Baking.
We are of course open to funding offers from Big Baking.