Model Policy

Whereas, on June 23, 2016, the people of the United Kingdom voted in support of a referendum to leave the European Union; and

Whereas, the United States has a special and historic relationship with the United Kingdom that has fostered economic prosperity and security cooperation that greatly benefits both countries; and

Whereas, the United Kingdom is a great and important U.S. trading partner, with exports to the United Kingdom in 2015 totaling approximately $56,114,600,000 and imports to the United States totaling approximately $57,962,300,000; and

Whereas, it is in the national interests of both the United States and the United Kingdom to preserve and expand the special relationship between our two great democracies; and

Whereas, the United States should give the United Kingdom the assurance that the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom will not be adversely affected by a lapse in or confusion about trade rules with the United States; and

Whereas, it is vital to reassure trading markets, businesses and consumers of the commitment of the United States to continue without interruption the close and mutually beneficial trade partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom; and

Whereas, the market access provided to financial institutions based in the United States and the United Kingdom through passporting rights should be supported by equivalent forms of market access before the United Kingdom exits the European Union; now

Therefore be it resolved, that the commonwealth/state of [INSERT STATE] supports the negotiation of a free trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom; and

Be it further resolved, that the commonwealth/state of [INSERT STATE] urges the President of the United States to launch immediate negotiations with the United Kingdom on the establishment of a free trade agreement between our two democracies; and

Be it further resolved, that upon adoption of this Resolution, an official copy be prepared and presented to the President of the United States, to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the U.S. Senate Finance and U.S. House Ways and Means Committees, to the U.S. Trade Representative, to the Secretary of Commerce, to the Secretary of Labor and to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.