It is nearly two years since the UK voted marginally in favour of leaving the European Union (EU), following a referendum held on 23 June 2016. Then, in March last year, Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which commenced the two-year countdown to exiting the EU.
Since then, however, talks between the government and EU leaders over the terms in which the UK will leave the EU, and when the UK will actually leave, have been somewhat difficult and slow-moving – often fuelled by tensions within May’s own ranks.
As the negotiations continue to rumble on, there has been much debate around the future status of the City of London as a leading global financial hub. And if indeed, it will continue to be an attractive destination for professionals amidst the inherent uncertainty created by Brexit.
Thomson Reuters’ first Legal Debate of 2018 is going to be tackling these big issues head on. The Legal Debate ‘The first casualty of Brexit will be City talent’ will bring together industry heavyweights from law and politics to debate the impact that leaving the EU will have on the City’s talent pool.
The panel includes Conservative MP and former Chancellor of the Exchequer Kenneth Clarke, and Anneli Howard, Barrister at Monckton Chambers, who will both arguing in favour of the debate’s motion that ‘City talent will be the first casualty of Brexit’. Meanwhile, Michael Howard, former leader of the Tory party, and Francis Hoar, Barrister at Field Court Chambers, will be arguing against the motion.
Throughout what is expected to be a lively and contentious debate, the panel will examine exactly what a post-Brexit Britain will look like. Additionally, they will explore if leaving the EU could result in professional services firms and financial institutions relocating workforces, as well as debating the impact on the City’s ability to attract and retain global talent.
The Legal Debate will take place at 6pm on 7 June, at Thomson Reuters Auditorium, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London. To register for your free place at the event, click here.
