The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)
Committee has today commented on businesses and Brexit
preparedness following an evidence session this morning with
witnesses from sectors including food and drink, financial and
related professional services, plastics, and the automotive
industry.
, Chair of the Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee said: “During our
evidence hearing this morning, we heard of the significant
challenges which businesses are facing in dealing with the impact
of Covid 19 and in preparing for the end of the transition
period.
“While Britain’s businesses are hoping that a Brexit deal will be
reached, companies across many sectors will face disruption from
1 January. This morning we heard evidence which pointed, even in
the event of a Brexit deal, to potential food shortages and price
rises, and the threat of heaping significant costs onto our car
industry, and also of concerns around financial services and the
wider future relationship.
“Our industry witnesses this morning were unanimous in wanting
clarity from a UK-EU deal, on crucial areas such as ‘rules of
origin’. It was also made clear that businesses will need time to
adjust to any deal and that there should be pragmatism on both UK
and EU sides to ensure disruption is minimised and trade
continues to flow”.
The session is available to watch again here on Parliament
TV. The hearing examined - with witnesses from sectors
including food and drink, financial and related professional
services, plastics, and the automotive industry - issues
including the current position of these sectors in relation to
Brexit preparedness, issues around the potential impact of border
delays, the level of Government support and engagement for
business preparedness, and the potential impact of no deal.
Evidence session: Businesses and Brexit preparedness,
10.30am, Tuesday 8th December
Witnesses this morning
From
10.30am
- Ian Wright CBE, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation;
- Miles Celic, Chief Executive, TheCityUK
- Lloyd Mulkerrins, Policy Manager, Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders
- Philip Law, Director General, British Plastics Federation
Started at
around 11.55am
- Joe Marshall, Senior Researcher, Institute for Government
- Jess Sargeant, Senior Researcher, Institute for Government
