Stop grandstanding, firms demand

Industry leaders have reacted with dismay to the latest Brexit defeat for the Prime Minister, warning of the damage being caused to business.

Ian Wright, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said last night: “The defeat of the government motion will increase fears among food and drink manufacturers that there is now a diminishing prospect of rescue from the catastrophe of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.”

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Colin Stanbridge said: “As the clock ticks down, the economic indicators drop down.

“Uncertainty is continuing to do real-term damage to businesses, which is why they are crying out for politicians to stop grandstanding, agree a way forward and move on to the future trading negotiations with the EU.”

The cries of dismay came as a Romanian airline cancelled flights from Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport, reportedly due to uncertainty over Brexit.

Dozens of passengers expecting to fly to Rome and Alicante complained their flights with Blue Air had been cancelled on Wednesday night, but tickets were still available to buy online.

A spokesman for John Lennon Airport said the “Brexit impasse” had left the carrier “unable to receive the necessary clarity” around its ability to operate flights between the UK and countries other than Romania.

While Blue Air will continue to operate flights between the two countries, services from the UK to any other country could be affected if the UK leaves the EU without a continuation of EU legislation.

Blue Air flights between Luton and Turin are also expected to be affected.

Blue Air did not respond to requests for comment, but the airline’s official Twitter account has blocked at least one angry customer.