Thursday 23rd August, 2018
Earlier today, Express.co.uk published an exclusive and prescient interview with Parliament Street’s Director of Financial Services and the City of London, Tim Focas.
In the interview, which featured prominently on the site’s homepage all day, Tim had words of warning for arrogant EU commissioners, looking to punish Great Britain for daring to vote Brexit; a NO-DEAL Brexit would have the effect of cutting off their collective noses, to spit their face.
.Tim was not just doom and gloom, however. The financial services expert praised the innovative workers of the City of London, saying they could “overcome any challenges” and will “thrive in the future”.
You can read the Express.co.uk exclusive here.
Alternatively, a transcript is provided below:
EU WILL PAY: No-deal Brexit will spark financial DISASTER for Brussels warns expert
A NO-DEAL Brexit would be disastrous for European financial firms who will lose access to the City of London, an economic expert has warned.
Brussels has yet to reach an agreement with UK negotiators to give EU firms unfettered access to the Square Mile post-Brexit.
In a stark warning, Westminster think-tank Parliament Street said the EU’s economy would suffer if it fails to strike a workable deal.
The UK is currently the largest market for investment services in Europe, ahead of France, Germany and Luxembourg.
Tim Focas, head of financial services at Parliament Street, told Express.co.uk: “A deal on financial services post-Brexit looks unlikely at this stage.
“The European Commission should drop its hardline negotiating stance and learn to be pragmatic. If not, it will face the consequences.
“Many EU member states need to retain access to the City of London, so they will be worse off financially if no deal is struck.
“I predict that EU countries will push back against the Commission’s stance as Brexit day approaches.
“They will start speaking directly to the UK government to find an acceptable and pragmatic solution.”
Theresa May has called for “mutual recognition” of regulatory standards for financial services between the UK and EU.
But the uncertainty around negotiations has sparked fears of an exodus of jobs from the City post-Brexit.
Banks based in the Square Mile have threatened to move staff to other EU cities including Paris, Frankfurt and Dublin.
But Mr Focas said the City of London would remain Europe’s leading financial hub after Britain leaves the bloc.
He said: “London has led the way in financial services for many years.
“The people who work within it are innovative by nature, so they can evolve in line with trends and changes.
“This means the City will overcome any challenges which Brexit may bring, allowing it to thrive in the future.”
