‘Huge sigh of relief’ as deal goes to the wire

THE ANNOUNCEMENT that Brexit talks are set to move on to issues of trade and transition was welcomed by UK business leaders.

Stephen Martin, directorgeneral of the Institute of Directors, said: “It went right down to the wire, but businesses will be breathing a huge sigh of relief.”

He added: “The most pressing concern for UK companies has been their EU staff, who have urgently needed certainty about their future in this country.

“We have grounds to hope now that our members will be able to send their employees off for the Christmas break feeling more comfortable about their status here. We call on the UK and EU to build on this positive momentum going into the New Year.

“It is overwhelmingly in the interests of both sides to begin working on our future economic relationship – particularly in order to fully address the Irish question. And we look forward to further clarity about what the UK’s objectives are for that new relationship as well as a firm commitment on transition in the very near future.”

CBI deputy director-general Josh Hardie said: “Firms have been watching negotiations closely and today’s announcement will lift spirits in the run-up to Christmas. Sufficient progress is a present they’ve spent months waiting for.

“It’s now time to focus on the true prize of a new relationship and a deal that starts from 40 years of economic integration. With the same willpower shown today and jobs and living standards at the heart of every negotiating objective, these talks can set the UK up for the next 40 years of close alignment.”