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European red tape must be scrapped

The Business Minister, Michael Fallon, has called for an end to over-complicated bureaucracy in Europe.

Members of the European Parliament and European Commision officials met with firms in Brussels on Friday, where the minister said more streamlined regulations were vital for growth in business.

Companies must be given room to expand by removing red tape barriers, and more intelligent rules must be put on the agenda, according to Mr Fallon.

He commented: “For too long, decision makers in Whitehall and Brussels have regulated first and asked questions later. It’s become a barrier to business success and it must stop.

“We have taken tough action to turn back the tide of red tape in the UK and so have many other member states – but half of our regulations come from Brussels so we need strong action from Europe now to stop the deluge.”

Government measures will be used to forge relationships at an EU level, with the introduction of a “one-in, one-out” rule that will remove obsolete regulations.

The European Commission’s Impact Assessment Board will be equipped with reinforced powers to accept or dismiss new rules.

Changes will also be introduced on specified dates in line with Europe to reduce costs and time businesses spend on preparing for regulation updates.

The most burdensome aspects of EU regulations will be challenged with a new Commission Programme, and an annual statement will be published to educate firms on newly introduced rules.

Mr Fallon added: “Businesses are facing tough conditions but by tackling burdensome regulation we can help make life easier for businesses across Europe.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .