CBI responds to Brexit Secretary's speech

The CBI responded to the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union’s speech at the 2017 Conservative Party Conference.

Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:

“The Prime Minister’s Florence speech changed the tone and substance of the negotiations. It is reassuring that this tone has carried through to Conference and the commitment to transitional arrangements has been reinforced.

“But the need to agree transition and move to discussions on the final deal is critical. There is no time to waste: the impact on investment and jobs across the UK and Europe grows day by day. Both sides must show leadership and determination to make sufficient progress on the issues of citizens’ rights, the exit bill and Northern Ireland to move the process on.”