BCC & SCC Comment on meaningful vote

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce responds to the Parliamentary defeat of the Meaningful Vote on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration:

“There are no more words to describe the frustration, impatience, and growing anger amongst business after two and a half years on a high-stakes political rollercoaster ride that shows no sign of stopping. Basic questions on real-world operational issues remain unanswered, and firms now find themselves facing the unwelcome prospect of a messy and disorderly exit from the EU on March 29th.

“The overriding priority for both government and Parliament must now be to avoid the clear danger that a ‘no deal’ exit on the 29th of March would pose to businesses and communities across the UK. Every second that ticks by sees more businesses spending money on unwanted changes, activating contingency plans or battening down the hatches and halting investment, as they try to anticipate a future that is no clearer now than it was at the time of the referendum result.

“Businesses will take a dim view of more shuttle diplomacy and last-minute bargaining, which have so far done nothing to end the political impasse. The government must now urgently set out in concrete terms what it will do to avoid the damage that a messy and disorderly exit on March 29th would cause to businesses, communities, and the UK economy.”

Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce responds to the Parliamentary defeat of the Meaningful Vote on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration:

"With just over 70 days to go until the UK exits the EU, business communities will be left even more frustrated at the relentless saga of Westminster politics. 

"There are real issues facing businesses right now, with many questions still unanswered. As a result of tonight's vote, companies find themselves facing the unwelcome prospect of a messy and disorderly exit from the EU on 29th of March.

"Business and industry have been navigating an economic and political landscape that is no more clearer now than it was at the time of the referendum result. Therefore, the priority for the UK Government and the Parliament must be to avoid the clear risks a 'no deal' exit would pose to businesses. We expect the Government to urgently set out in clear terms what it plans to do to avoid the damage a disorderly exit would cause to businesses, local communities, the Scottish and UK economy."