‘Get a grip now and stop messy no-deal Brexit’

Scottish business chiefs send clear message to new Tory leader

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce last night demanded that Boris Johnson “get a grip” on the Brexit process as the Scottish economy was on a “knife edge”.

Chambers chief executive Liz Cameron called on the new prime minister to reveal what his government will do to avoid a disorderly Brexit in October.

She said: “I cannot state this enough – businesses are demanding a government that can focus on policy and investment that will help us grow the economy for the benefit of all as we face an uncertain future.

“The message to Boris Johnson from business communities across Scotland is: the time for campaigning is over.

“We need to know, in concrete terms, what your government will do to avoid a messy, disorderly Brexit on October 31.

“We offer our congratulations to Mr Johnson but now urge him and his parliamentary colleagues to get a grip of the role and the Brexit process.

“The economy of Scotland and the UK is on a knife edge and any further rigmarole will risk the livelihoods of workers and employers.”

The message was echoed by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) which met Mr Johnson and his team last week to discuss priorities for the new administration.

FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said securing a deal with Europe that can pass through the House of Commons was “task one”.

He said: “Brexit has been absorbing government bandwidth for years now, leaving domestic challenges unaddressed.

“Chief among these are a broken business rates system, spiralling employment costs and derisory broadband and phone connectivity.

“We need to get back to basics. Closing the UK’s productivity gap and increasing GDP growth will only happen when small firms have the political certainty, tax reform and world-leading infrastructure needed to take risks and innovate. Time is of the essence for this new government.”

The FSB also called on Mr Johnson to modernise the rates system and increase the UK’s broadband and phone infrastructure.

The value of the pound was almost unchanged by the news that Mr Johnson had won the Conservative leadership battle.

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce.