Discussion needed on Malta’s future relationship with UK, argues Minister

Brexit was the key item on the agenda of the latest meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), which met on Monday in the presence of Minister within the Office of Prime Minister Carmelo Abela and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.

In his intervention on Brexit, Minister Carmelo Abela pointed out that at this stage the negotiations between the EU and the United Kingdom have reached a delicate phase, now that we are just a few weeks away from the end of the transition period.

For Malta, the relationship with the United Kingdom is important and it was improtant that when appropriate and possible we talk about the bilateral and future relationship with the United Kingdom, both for the benefit of the respective citizens as well as for other aspects, including tourism.  

A recent local development was the appointment of Mr Mario Vella as Special Commissioner for Economic, Financial and Trade Relations with the United Kingdom. 

Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi emphasised that as of the 1st of January – the end of the transition period – European Union law will no longer apply to the United Kingdom.

The Parliamentary Secretary referred to the work done by the Customs Department by increasing resources, as well as preparing for the changes brought about by Brexit, including new procedures and tariffs. He referred to other preparations which are being conducted by Identity Malta to register English residents in Malta, together with the work of the Ministry for Health and the Medicines Authority regarding the importation of medicine.

‘As a Government, we have taken up initiatives to explain and communicate better on how one can be more prepared. A document was prepared and launched a few days ago, as a result of the coordinated work which we have conducted to be able to provide the information needed so that those who will be impacted can prepare as well,” said the Parliamentary Secretary.

Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of workers
The Minister responsible for working conditions, Carmelo Abela, mentioned that, with regards to the effects on mental health that the pandemic has left on our workers, he believes that this is an issue that must be given the importance it deserves. Amongst which, one can see issues related to job security and associated tensions, as well as housing payment issues, although a moratorium has been provided. 

Minister Abela referred to the worries faced by those workers who have fewer academic qualifications who feel that they are helpless and also vulnerable at this time. Consequently, according to Minister Abela, one should look at the continuing need for reskilling and upskilling to help these individuals even more. He also referred to self-employed individuals, who are perhaps the most psychologically affected by this instability in the world of employment. 

Minister Abela also spoke about the effects of Covid-19 on women’s participation in the world of employment. He said, “In a context of crisis, unequal social structures see women facing more precarious employment situations and bearing a greater burden of responsibilities. Confinement measures and school closures have further increased women’s responsibilities. We need to ensure that this is addressed, first and foremost, for the mental health of this category of female members of our society and also because of the effect this has on our workforce.”