Physical activity bodies ukactive and EuropeActive have agreed to strengthen their partnership in the event of the UK leaving the European Union.

ukactive CEO Huw Edwards and EuropeActive acting CEO David Stalker reiterated their commitment to maintain their close working relationship – whatever the outcome of the Brexit process – following talks at the IHRSA European Congress 2019 in Dublin.

The two organisations will continue working together in four key areas: data and research, policy and regulatory issues, operator benefits, and campaigns.

Both organisations are committed to making the relationship stronger and working together in areas of shared concern.

"Ukactive and EuropeActive have really benefited from our excellent partnership over the past five years," Edwards said.

“The Brexit situation has created numerous uncertainties in the sector but this will not affect our relationship.

"David and I have agreed that we will continue to build on, and strengthen the way we work together on a number of key issues and activities that will bring wider benefits for the sector.”

David Stalker added: “With our combined resources we are showing governments and policy-makers across Europe that we are leading the way in attracting more people to be physically active.

"Our recent #LetsBEACTIVE in Europe and National Fitness Day in the UK are prime examples of how we are working together in getting the message across about promoting an increase in physical activity and sport.

"Brexit is not going to affect the important relationship and cooperation between EuropeActive and ukactive in any way."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has secured a withdrawal agreement with the European Union, which he now needs to get approved by the House of Commons. If he is successful, the UK will leave the EU on 31 October.