European architects have backed the RIBA in urging Brexit negotiators to protect mutual recognition of professional qualifications after Britain leaves the EU.

Protecting the status quo is vital to preserving the pre-eminence of the profession across the continent and its ability to attract the best talent, said Ben Derbyshire, president of the RIBA.

The general assembly of the Architects’ Council of Europe unanimously approved an RIBA motion calling on the council’s (ACE) member organisations to fight for cross-border recognition of professional qualifications (MRPQ), and calls on the European Commission and the UK government to continue to recognise each other’s qualifications after Brexit.