One month on from the General Election, the British
Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Monday) publishes a
post-election survey of over 2,400 companies, which shows that
while businesses have a range of views on their preferred
objectives for the UK in Brexit negotiations, there is almost no
support to conclude UK-EU talks without a trade
deal.
Asked to consider which option came closest to their view
about what the UK’s Brexit negotiation objectives should be, the
survey - carried out just after the election -
showed:
-
2% said leave the Single Market and Customs
Union, and rely on WTO rules for trade (leave without a trade
deal with the EU)
-
34% said remain in the Single Market and Customs
Union
-
13% said remain in Customs Union only (no hard
borders or tariffs, but limited scope to negotiate trade
agreements with third countries)
-
11% said remain in the Single Market only (accept
EU regulations and rules in return for full access to
market)
-
28% said a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and
a customs agreement (the government’s pre-election objectives,
set at the Prime Minister's Lancaster House
speech)
Respondents were also asked about a transition period, and
which of the following options they believe is best for their
business:
-
46% said ‘a transition period of three
years’
-
22% said ‘a transition period of longer than
three years’
-
17% said ‘no transition period’
Dr Adam
Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce
(BCC), said:
“Our results make it clear that there are a range of
business views on what the UK should be seeking in a final deal
with the EU, but there is near-universal consensus that a deep
and comprehensive agreement is needed. 'No deal' isn't seen as a
viable option. Businesses want a pragmatic settlement on the
practical, real-world issues that affect their operations, not
arbitrary political red lines.
“By more than three to one, businesses want a transition
period on the way to a final agreement with the EU. This is
critical to prevent firms facing the prospect of repeated, costly
adjustments to new trading conditions. If companies have to
change their business model once in 2019 and again several years
thereafter, the competitiveness and investment potential of our
firms will be undermined.
“Getting transition arrangements on the negotiations agenda
as quickly as possible would give businesses - many of whom are
considering big investment decisions now - the confidence to
press ahead."
