Commenting on the release of the UK government’s
long-awaited White Paper on the future UK-EU relationship, Dr
Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of
Commerce (BCC), said:
“At last, businesses have a more comprehensive understanding of
the Government's aspirations for the UK's future relationship
with the European Union.
“This vision should not have taken two years and three weeks to
emerge, but it is nevertheless a welcome starting point for
businesses.
"Momentum and pace are now needed to translate ambition into
answers to the real-world, practical questions that businesses
face. Even with the welcome direction of travel in the White
Paper, companies still don't know how they'll be paying VAT, how
they can move people between offices, or whether goods will get
across borders with a minimum of fuss. It is incumbent on the two
sides to work pragmatically and productively on the
nuts-and-bolts detail of the future relationship over the coming
weeks, drawing on business experience and expertise.
"Time is short - and for businesses, it's results that count."
Following publication of the White Paper, the leading
business organisation maintained 22 'red-rated' and 2
'amber-rated' issues on its Business Brexit Risk
Register, which brings together the 24 top questions being
asked by businesses across the UK. On this, Marshall
added:
“Businesses still need clear and detailed answers on many of the
practical, real-world questions they face. Many of these answers
can only emerge through negotiations - so it’s time for the two
sides to crack on and get to a deal. And we have said many times,
and will say again, that the UK government must deliver clarity
wherever the answers to business questions are entirely within
the UK's own control."
The British Chambers of Commerce also urged the UK Government to
step up preparations for all eventualities - including 'no deal'
scenarios -- to ensure that businesses have clarity on how the UK
would operate its borders, immigration system and regulations in
the event of a breakdown in negotiations. Adam Marshall said:
“Firms need clear guidance from the UK government on preparations
for all eventualities, so that they know how critical systems and
borders would operate in the unwelcome scenario where a
comprehensive deal cannot be reached."
