Davis in bid to boost Brexit engagement

DAVID DAVIS is to host business leaders at a lavish grace and favour country manor following reports that bosses felt excluded from the Brexit decision-making process.

The Brexit Secretary will host a conference at Chevening House in Kent on Friday for business leaders from across different sectors of the economy as part of a series of events to “intensify” Government engagement with industry.

It comes after reports that corporate leaders wanted minsters to consult them more on Brexit and amid suggestions of a power struggle in the Cabinet over the shape of the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Mr Davis confirmed that new proposals will soon be set out to ensure the right mechanisms are in place to allow a regular and open dialogue between business and Government.

A Government source said: “With negotiations under way, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union is determined to bolster the Government’s engagement with the business community on Brexit.

“That is why he recently announced an intention to co-ordinate activity with the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Business Secretary to ensure we tap into the wealth of specialist knowledge from businesses up and down the country.”

At the conference, businesses will discuss the key challenges and opportunities arising from Brexit, as well as looking at industry-specific issues.

Financial services, manufacturing, science, retail, energy and transport will be among the sectors represented.

The palatial Chevening estate is shared between the “Three Brexiteers” – Mr Davis, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox.