Chancellor Rachel Reeves spoke last week at a meeting of EU finance ministers as part of the government’s attempt to perform an economic reset with the EU. It was the first time a UK chancellor has attended such an event since the UK left the EU.
The Chancellor spoke about tackling shared challenges including the war in Ukraine, championing free trade as a driver of economic competitiveness, and strengthening bilateral economic partnerships. She said she was looking for a reset that would break down barriers to trade, create opportunities to invest and help businesses in both the UK and EU countries to sell in each other’s markets.
The speech was part of a trip where the Chancellor attended a series of bi-lateral meetings with European counterparts.
No return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement is planned. However, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von de Leyen and Keir Starmer agreed on October 2 to strengthen the UK-EU relationship and put it on a more solid, stable footing.
The business community waits to see how these discussions will translate into concrete changes with EU trading partners.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-calls-for-business-like-relationship-with-eu
The government has announced an over 40% increase in charge point grant amounts that will mean businesses, landlords and renters could save up to £500 on installing an electric vehicle (EV) charge point. Previously, the grant provided a discount of £350.
During a week dominated by news of the Middle East conflict, on 3 March 2026, Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented the Spring Forecast to Parliament. The Chancellor told MPs she had “restored economic stability” as she presented the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR’s) economic forecasts.