Bosses demand more clarity on life after Brexit
BUSINESS leaders are continuing to press for a no-deal Brexit to be avoided, but stressed that firms want more clarity over what will happen after March 29.
Edwin Morgan, interim director-general of the Institute of Directors, said Prime Minister Theresa May was right to “put her cards on the table” for what happens if she fails to get approval for a withdrawal deal by March 12.
He added: “The message from our members is clear – nearly 80 per cent would choose to avoid a no-deal outcome. Too much information about that scenario is still missing, including from our own Government, for firms to be ready in a few short weeks.
“Seeing the impasse continue may not be comfortable for businesses, but a disorderly exit could bring unbearable disruption for firms in sectors from farming to finance, manufacturing to business services, across the UK.
“It is a long time since we have been in a world of easy choices, and, while an extension is not an end in itself, it may become a necessity to achieve an orderly exit.”
Claire Walker, of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “While this a giant political leap for the Prime Minister, this is only a small step towards the clarity and precision that businesses need to chart their future direction.
“The overriding priority is still to assure businesses and communities that an unwanted no-deal scenario will not happen by default on March 29.
“Businesses still need to ensure they are preparing for all possible scenarios and Government and its agencies must provide clear, precise and accurate information for all eventualities.”
Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “We have seen real movement towards ruling out a chaotic and damaging no-deal on March 29. If the Prime Minister can stay true to her word, a no-deal Brexit on March 29 will only happen if Parliament chooses it. If
MPS are presented with this choice, I ask them to recognise the damage a no-deal Brexit would cause UK small businesses.”