Reuters Chairman Niall Fitzgerald joined UK Cabinet Ministers John Hutton and Alan Johnson in laying out the challenges that lie ahead on better European regulation.
Congratulating the UK Presidency on hosting a unique and progressive conference, Niall Fitzgerald set out a longer-term business perspective calling for less and smarter legislation.
"The need for reform underpinned by smarter regulation is recognised across the board. It is time for all of us - politicians, policymakers, businesspeople, national governments - to step up to the plate," said Mr Fitzgerald.
Stressing the urgency of acting to meet the goals of the Lisbon agenda, he added "The clock is ticking. There are five years to go, and we can make the Lisbon agenda a reality. With the right commitment and leadership, I believe we will."
Alan Johnson, UK Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, told the conference that national governments and the Commission can continue to make the EU a better place to do business by simplifying existing legislation and looking closely at how they make policy.
He welcomed the Commission's reaffirmation of its commitment to effective and timely consultation with business on competitiveness testing, ensuring assessment procedures become embedded into the policy-making process.
He said: "It's crucial that we put impact assessment at the heart of policy-making. That we have a clear view of the effect that our new legislation will have on business, backed up by solid analysis. Nowhere is this more important than as regards competitiveness."
The speeches by Alan Johnson and Niall Fitzgerald followed this morning's opening address by UK Cabinet Office Minister John Hutton in which he invited business to have a stronger voice in making better regulation a reality.
John Hutton said: "With a clear way ahead and a genuine will to reform, we have a golden opportunity to change our approach to law-making so we enhance both our social protections and our ability to compete in the global economy."
Notes:- The Government announced the creation of the Better Regulation Executive
- The overall aim of the BRE is to deliver better regulation and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy. Its work covers the private, public and voluntary sectors, across domestic and European issues. More information on the BRE can be found at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/regulation
- Information resources for this conference, including streaming video of keynote speeches, speaker biographies and a full agenda can be found at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/regulation/europe/better_regulation_conference/
Better Regulation Conference
22-23 September 2005
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
Edinburgh
Scotland
Cabinet Office Press Office 70 Whitehall LONDON SW1A 2AS
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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