Clarify relationship with EU, urge bosses

BUSINESS leaders in Greater Birmingham have urged the new government to urgently give a clear understanding on what the country’s trading relationship with Europe will be beyond 2020.

Paul Faulkner (pictured), chief executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), called for an end to the “years of uncertainty” caused by the Brexit process.

He added: “The Prime Minister has secured the mandate he so badly desired. But instead of resting on their laurels, the Government will hopefully recognise that the hard work begins now.

“Since the referendum result, feedback from our Quarterly Business Report has regularly highlighted that firms across the region have been hampered by years of uncertainty caused by the Brexit process. With such a decisive majority, we hope that we will see the modicum of stability that businesses need in order to press ahead with informed decision making – particularly when it comes to investing in their people and products.

“The result will give the PM the mandate to push on with implementing his Withdrawal Agreement and initiating Britain’s exit from the European Union. We’ve already seen the response from the city – the value of the pound shot up against the dollar, reaching its highest level in almost 18 months as the markets now expect Mr Johnson to proceed with his plans without opposition.

“However, while the Conservative election strategy rested on the generic slogan of ‘getting Brexit done’, the process is only just beginning and if anything, businesses will still be desperate for a clear understanding on what our long-term trading relationship with our European counterparts will entail beyond 2020.

“In particular, for those firms that are still unsure on how to navigate this tortuous process, I would encourage all businesses to make use of the Chamber’s Brexit Health Check – this free online tool will help businesses understand the areas of their output that are likely to be impacted by Brexit and the steps that can be taken to overcome these potential issues.

“Beyond Brexit, the Conservatives also made a number of bold claims around upskilling the workforce, investing in infrastructure and reducing the stifling cost pressures that firms across the country face on a daily basis. In light of the result, we would urge the Prime Minister to release the recommendations made by Douglas Oakervee and back HS2 in full – no other project comes close in its ability to rebalance the economy and bring prosperity to all corners of the UK.”

Meanwhile, former Chamber president Saqib Bhatti was elected as Conservative MP for Meriden, in Solihull.

He replaces Dame Caroline Spelman in the seat, where he extended the Tory majority.

Mr Bhatti, becomes the first ethnic minority MP to represent either Meriden or neighbouring Solihull.