Commenting on the announcement from the Prime Minister that the Cabinet has backed the draft Withdrawal Agreement and the political declaration on the future relationship between the UK and the EU27:
Paul Britton, CEO of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce commented:
“Since the referendum the UK has been in a state of limbo. With a draft proposal finally on the table, we can now look towards moving forward and giving much needed clarity to the business community.
“On November 30, we will launch the Chambers 2019 Business Manifesto, which will reiterate our focus on seeking clarity and specific terms that our members will face in the future, many of which are still to be agreed”
Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Businesses will recognise the huge efforts made by the Prime Minister and across Government to reach this milestone.
“After two and half years of uncertainty, this may be end of the beginning — but not yet the beginning of the end. Our firms need clarity and precision on the specific terms of trade they will face in future, many of which are still to be agreed. The avoidance of sudden or multiple changes to trading conditions is crucial to business investment and confidence.
“Our priority will be to assess the implications of these proposals, working closely with Chamber business communities across the UK.”