Boris Johnson’s hopes of post-Brexit free trade deal with US given boost by Pokemon ‘s PIKACHU
BORIS JOHNSON’S hopes of a post-Brexit deal with America have been given a boost - by cartoon character Pikachu.
The company behind hit video game Pokemon wants a free trade agreement to let UK tech experts work in its US offices for several years without visas.
It also wants new shared rules between the two countries on internet-connected gadgets to improve security and to protect children online.
Firms on both sides of the Atlantic would benefit from the moves, it is claimed.
BOJO'S POKE-MATE
It comes after 45 Republican senators wrote to Boris Johnson backing a trade deal, urging him to “roar” for Britain’s “lion-hearted people” just as Winston Churchill had done during World War Two.
The proposals have been made in an official submission to a US trade department consultation on a future deal with the UK seen by The Sun – in a letter illustrated with a picture of a smiling yellow Pikachu.
The Pokemon Company International, Inc. fully supports the negotiation of a free trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom
Pokemon spokesperson
It states: “The Pokemon Company International, Inc. (TPCi) fully supports the negotiation of a free trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom.
“TPCi encourages the the US Trade Representative to consider the inclusion of provisions in a US-UK FTA addressing temporary entre for UK professionals and connected consumer products.
“Addressing these topics would provide incentives for UK companies to increase their manufacturing footprint in the United States, resulting in the creation of new manufacturing jobs in the United States.”
VISA PLANS
Currently UK citizens can visit the US without a visa for up to 90 days but are not allowed to work.
Under the plans put forward by the Pokemon company, mirroring those that already exist for Canadian professionals, “skilled UK professionals” would be allowed to work for a US employer for up to three years, with the possibility of another three-year extension, without a visa or being hired permanently.
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The firm – which has 330 employees in the US and 130 in London separate to its HQ in Japan – also wants shared standards on “connected consumer products” like toys and gadgets that connect to the web.
This would “ensure high levels of safety, privacy, and security for consumers, particularly children”, Pokemon claims.
Last night the Department for International Trade, in charge of doing a deal with the White House, said: “We’re committed to an ambitious post-Brexit trade agreement with the US and this includes making it easier for UK professionals to work in the US.”
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