Time is “running out” to answer real-world questions about Brexit, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today warned the Government.
In a new report, the business body said the Government has managed to make limited progress on just two of the 24 business issues where clarity is urgently needed.
It says firms desperately need answers so that they can plan their operations following the UK’s departure from the EU.
The BCC added that continued uncertainty is causing a significant slowdown in business investment.
The 24 major business issues have been grouped by individual ratings – ‘green’ being answered, ‘amber’ being partially answered, and ‘red’ being unaddressed.
Worryingly, no issues have yet to fall into the ‘green’ category, while just two – status of EU nationals and industrial standards – have fallen into the ‘amber’ category.
Issues still grouped in the ‘red’ category include tax, tariffs, customs, regulation, mobility and R&D, among others.
Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Over the past two years, businesses have been patient. We have supported the government’s drive to seek the best possible deal for the UK economy. We have given time, expertise and real-world experience to support hard-pressed civil service negotiators. We have convened all across the UK to ensure that every business community’s Brexit concerns can be heard by elected representatives and officials.
“Now, with the time running out ahead of the UK’s exit from the EU, business patience is reaching breaking point.
“Businesses have every right to speak out when it is abundantly clear that the practical questions affecting the competitiveness of their firms and the livelihoods of millions of people remain unanswered. With less than nine months go to until Brexit day, we are little closer to the answers businesses need than we were the day after the referendum.”
The full list of 24 issues can be found here.