The Scotsman

Business chief critical of Tory squabbling

- By MARTIN FLANAGAN mflanagan@scotsman.com

The Conservati­ve Party has been rebuked for internal dis‑ sension by a leading business body as the party continues its party conference in Man‑ chester.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called on the government to show “competence and coherence – not division and disorganis­a‑ tion” in the interests of the UK’S economic well‑being.

BCC director general Adam Marshall said business was very concerned by the “pub‑ lic disagreeme­nts within the cabinet” around the Brex‑ it process and “insufficie­nt focus” on the domestic econ‑ omy.

Marshall said: “Public dis‑ agreements between cabi‑ net ministers in recent weeks have only served to under‑ mine business confidence, not just on Brexit negotiatio­ns, but also on the many issues where firms need to see clear action from government closer to home.

“Action to cut the up‑front cost of doing business, build key infrastruc­ture, help firms plug increasing skills gaps, and to support investment and risk‑taking must be front and centre on the government’s agenda.”

The BCC boss added that businesses had made clear on Brexit they wanted at least a three‑year transition period, and “pragmatic” talks on the future trading relationsh­ip between the UK and the EU by end‑2017.

“They will judge the govern‑ ment’s progress on Brexit by this yardstick – not by public speeches or pronouncem­ents – and will take investment and hiring decisions accordingl­y,” Marshall added. 0 Adam Marshall says Tory ‘divisions’ are a distractio­n

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