On the day negotiations begin on the UK's departure from the
European Union, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British
Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“As Brexit talks commence, UK firms want practical economic
issues to be at the heart of the negotiations. Business wants an
atmosphere of pragmatism, civility and mutual respect to
characterise this complex process.
"Over the coming weeks and months, the UK government must
demonstrate how it is working to address the everyday
considerations of British companies in the talks - who can
they hire, whether their goods will be stopped at borders, and
whether they will have to cope with extra costs.
“Parties on both sides should begin the negotiations by seeking
to guarantee the rights of EU citizens already in the UK, and UK
citizens in the EU-27. Swift agreement on citizens' rights
would remove a highly emotive and politicised issue from the
complex road ahead, while at the same time ending a year-long
source of uncertainty for individuals, communities and employers
alike.
“It’s important to remember that negotiations on some of the most
crucial business issues, such as the nature of the future UK-EU
trading relationship, won't begin straight away. We will continue
to campaign for the priorities and concerns of business
communities across the UK as negotiations continue - and ensure
that their practical priorities are front and centre."
