In recent days, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has voiced fresh concerns that “patience is wearing thin” among businesses over the progress of Brexit negotiations.
The organisation has launched an urgent appeal for clarity on the issue, demanding “clear negotiating objectives” from Prime Minister Theresa May and her “war Cabinet” of Ministers.
In a letter addressed to Mrs May, Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, and Francis Martin, President of the prominent business body, have raised concerns that negotiators have consistently failed to deliver clear-cut answers to many of the “practical questions” faced by businesses.
The organisation has said that the business community’s patience is “wearing thin” on negotiations and that the “continued division” of the Cabinet on Brexit is sending mixed messages to uncertain business leaders.
The Prime Minister must urgently present the business community with a clear statement of what the Government wants from Brexit, the BCC has said.
In its letter, the group has also warned that many firms are “poised” to activate Brexit contingency plans if certainty is not provided by negotiators sooner rather than later – which could mean that jobs within their organisations will leave the UK.
“Businesses need those elected to govern our country to make choices – and to deliver a clear, unequivocal statement of intent,” the letter said.
“There is no room for continued ambiguity as companies make investment and hiring decisions.
“The Government must set out its plans.”