The Prime Minister welcomed representatives from the
European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT) to
Downing Street to discuss the progress on Brexit
negotiations and hear from some of Europe’s leading
businesses about their priorities. The Brexit Secretary and
Business Secretary were also present.
First, she recognised the ERT’s
valuable contribution to the economy as major multinational
companies in the UK and across Europe.
The Prime Minister set out that since their previous
meeting, the vision for the future economic partnership
with the European Union had been published. The plan would
protect frictionless trade, which is in the interests of
both UK and EU businesses, employees and citizens. The
Prime Minister emphasised that the proposals would not only
ensure there was no hard border between Northern Ireland
and Ireland, but it would also safeguard jobs, just-in-time
manufacturing and integrated supply chains, all of which
are important to business.
Second, the Prime Minister spoke about the good progress in
negotiations, with 95% of the Withdrawal Agreement complete
and with agreement on the structure and scope of the Future
Framework. She reiterated that she was confident a deal
would be reached.
The Prime Minister heard from the ERT about
their priorities, and all agreed that it was in everyone’s
interests to secure a good deal for both sides and provide
clarity for businesses and employees in the UK and across
Europe. The Prime Minister emphasised her commitment to
achieving this and all agreed the importance of getting a
deal as soon as possible.
Finally, at the end of the meeting, she thanked them for
the useful and constructive discussion, which would
continue in future.
Attendees:
