Time for business to be heard

ANYONE who hoped the Brexit referendum result would mean they would hear less from Europe is about to be brutally disabused. The triggering of Article 50 this week will start the real negotiations about our departure from the EU and it means we will all hear far more from Europe than ever before.

The last nine months of drift have created the illusion that this is a debate inside the UK, with occasional interjection from the EU President or some other continental politician. It is about to become a debate with Europe, in which the European Commission and 27 other member countries will have as much to say (perhaps more) than David Davis or Boris Johnson.

The idea that the UK can exit Europe without any kind of deal on future trade arrangements is a chilling prospect.

The triggering of Article 50 must be the start of an unparalleled effort to secure the best arrangements possible for UK business – and in these negotiations the voice of businesses must be heard.

Sadly, there have been many scandals surrounding business in recent years that have shattered public trust in commerce and undermined the respect that business can hope to command in public debates.

Nevertheless, business must be part of this debate about what deal we now seek to strike with the EU. It is just as important as the crude In/Out debate last year. Of course, business must not be given an uncritical hearing – any lobbying or complaining that is self-serving will do more harm than good and only confirm the views of those who have long since written off business as representing a cynical elite.

Businesses of all sizes must make their views known. And politicians must listen, not unquestioningly, but studiously.

The success of the next two years of negotiation will be measured quite simply – by the economic prosperity of ordinary households.