Dear John,

In the week where finally a ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Hamas, and the final weekend before the second inauguration of Donald Trump, here is your Weekend Wire…

Peace at last?

After more than a year of brutal conflict, the announcement of a ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt and America marked the biggest story of the week and was celebrated around the world. For American President, Joe Biden,the hope will be that this is what he will be remembered for and not for enabling what comes next. Despite Biden’s protestations many are already questioning whether this is a victory for him or soon to be President Donald Trump. No prizes for guessing what the Donald thinks.

At the time of writing, there are concerns that despite the Israeli Cabinet approving the deal, the fragile peace may yet be derailed. With the first hostages due to be released on Sunday, for now, the world holds its breath.

Inauguration or coronation?

As the world braces for the return of Trump to the White House, this week saw some eyebrow raising Senate hearings into the President-elects nominations for high office. Trump’s pick for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’ had a car-crash appearance illustrating a complete incompetence for the job but (and this is why he has the job) undying loyalty to the President elect. In another hearing Marco Rubio, the pick for the highly influential role of Secretary of State, calmed European nerves by reaffirming his commitment to NATO but probably raised tensions elsewhere with his strong opposition to China.

Trump’s impending presidency will doubtless create a lot of anxiety around the world. For his closest neighbours the threats of annexation, for China the threat of a mutually destructive trade war, for Europe the threat of tariffs and withdrawal of support for Ukraine. So it is perhaps easy to forget the anxieties which must be being felt by millions of Americans. The threat of mass deportations, of politically motivated arrests, perhaps further stripping of abortion rights, to Joe Biden’s warnings of a rapidly forming American oligarchy.

The name's bonds. Government bonds

It is the last thing you’d want when suffering from jet lag, but for the Chancellor Rachel Reeves her return from China was immediately faced with a barrage of questions in the Commons on the sharp rise in the cost of government borrowing.

The pressure on Reeves has mounted this week after the yields - the interest rate at which the government pays back investors - on 30-year government bonds reached 5.42%. The problem was worsened by the yield on debt due for repayment in the next ten years reaching 4.87%, almost as high as around the time of the 2008 financial crisis. 

Despite most comparable economies seeing a similar trend, the rise has increased pressure on Reeves who faced calls to resign from the usual suspects. Despite this Keir Starmer has stood firm behind his Chancellor and confirmed Reeves would remain in position for the rest of this Parliament.

YMS? YES!

A ten minute rule bill brought forward by Lib Dem MP James MacCleary calling for an EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme passing parliament on Wednesday. A formal Bill on the issue,, is now scheduled to have its first reading in Parliament on 25 July. 

A Youth Mobility Scheme was first proposed by the UK Trade and Business Commission in their landmark report Trading our way to prosperity in 2023, and has since been advocated by Best for Britain. Despite Government hesitancy to commit to the scheme, polling has consistently shown that a majority are in favour of the UK Government negotiating a reciprocal scheme with the EU. Naomi Smith, CEO of Best for Britain said,

"A Youth Mobility Scheme is win-win, not just for young Brits but for businesses across the UK struggling with labour shortages.

"With our polling consistently showing that around 60% of voters back the idea and warning lights flashing on Britain's economic dashboard, the Government should be grabbing this opportunity with both hands."

We would like to thank the thousands of you who supported our call to action and emailed your MP about attending the debate on Wednesday. It is an apt reminder of the crucial role that all of our supporters play in driving meaningful change.

Forget Musk, it's all about Tusk!

In a joint press conference with Keir Starmer on Friday, Polish PM Donald Tusk outlined his aspirations for a return to the EU for Britain. Tusk, known for his role as President of the European Council for a large part of the Brexit process, spoke frankly about his desire for a European Union which includes Britain. He said - "I am aware this is a dream: that instead of a Brexit, we will have a Breturn. Perhaps I am labouring under an illusion. But I'd rather be an optimist and harbour these dreams in my heart. Sometimes they come true in politics."

(I Can’t get no) Visa satisfaction

In an interview with the Rolling Stones (magazine), Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy provided a promising update on another one of Best for Britain’s campaigns regarding a visa waiver for touring artists scheme. 

After making assurances that change was on its way for British artists, Nandy said “I think it’s a bad deal for us. I also think it’s a bad deal for the EU. I think we would all benefit from much closer cooperation”.

Read all about why the UK needs a visa waiver for touring artists with the EU here.

Want growth? Call Europe

A fascinating new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research further illustrated the need to prioritise our trade with the EU and remove the unnecessary trade barriers brought about by Brexit.

The report calls for;

1. A veterinary agreement with the EU to reduce the physical checks required on foodstuffs and other perishable goods.
2. Linking the UK and EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM), reducing barriers to trade and ending unnecessary costs to British business. Read more about why alignment with CBAM is so important here.
3. Mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
4. And (you guessed it) a Youth Mobility Scheme

Taking GPSR seriously

Last week we launched our GPSR call for action (below), thank you to everyone who has reached out to us this past week. This week we launched a new page focused on GPSR.

It includes a form for you to take part in our consultation and a useful FAQ about how to find a point of access.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. If there is one thing we know, it’s that next week certainly won’t be boring.

Joshua Edwicker
Best for Britain