CBI urges Brexit negotiators to reach an agreement

The CBI is urging both the UK and EU to renew efforts to secure a Brexit deal, arguing this is essential to protect people’s jobs and living standards amidst one of the worst recessions in living memory.

Beckie Hart, CBI Yorkshire & Humber Director, said agreeing a deal between the UK and EU will have tangible, positive benefits for firms employing tens of thousands of people across the Yorkshire & Humber region.

It will also underpin economic recovery across the UK, protecting our younger generation and the future of our public services.

She said getting a deal would mean zero tariffs and quotas – as well as closer customs cooperation – the only way to keep export and import costs low, and maintain manufacturing competitiveness across Yorkshire & Humber.

Hart said: “Getting a good Brexit deal would be an immediate boost to confidence in Yorkshire & Humber.

“It will help protect tens of thousands of businesses across the region already under huge pressure from the pandemic.

“A deal will form a foundation for a strong, growing relationship between the UK and EU in future.

“It will create space for both sides to focus on shared challenges – like creating jobs – rather than needlessly adding red tape, extra costs and paperwork.

“Securing good outcomes on important issues such as data and financial services – which sit outside the existing agreement – will be far easier having agreed a deal this year.

“While July’s GDP figures were encouraging, we are only halfway on the path to recovery, and a messy end to a turbulent year would stunt that recovery and impede businesses’ ability to protect jobs and invest in the future.

“A deal will allow us to make a grab for growth, delivering important investment at a critical time for the UK’s economic recovery.

“Getting a deal requires political leadership and compromise from both sides, which is needed urgently in the coming weeks.

“Failure to get an agreement would prolong uncertainty and damage businesses, while guaranteeing division and debate about Brexit for many years to come.”

Close