Businesses ‘still in the danger zone’ over Brexit

Business groups have cautiously welcomed the vote to delay Article 50 but highlighted their concerns about the growing uncertainty over the Brexit timetable.

Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “While most businesses will support an extension to Article 50 to avert the prospect of a messy and disorderly exit on the March 29th, with just two weeks to go this vote leaves firms with no real clarity on the future.

“Once again, businesses are left waiting for Parliament to reach a consensus on the way forward and are losing faith that they will achieve this. In the meantime, firms are continuing to enact their contingency plans, anxiety amongst many businesses is rising, and customers are being lost.

“While this process rumbles on, there must be no let up from Government, its agencies and businesses in their preparations for all eventualities, including a no deal exit.

“Businesses, jobs, investment and our communities are still firmly in the danger zone.”

Edwin Morgan, interim director general of the Institute of Directors, said: “Few in business will be stepping forward to thank Parliament for its efforts this week. We know a tiny, tiny amount more about the next steps than we did a couple of days ago, but the problem is that the clock is still ticking and no deal is still the default.”

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