Business chief says Brexit Withdrawal Agreement 'has not moved things on'

Scott Knowles, chief executive at East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, has suggested that businesses have still not been provided with “clarity” following yesterday’s Brexit Withdrawal Agreement documents.

During this transition, the UK would not have voting rights at the EU but would continue to have to abide by EU regulations, including any created between now and any eventual agreed departure date, and the European Court of Justice would hold supremacy over UK courts.

The agreement would resolve, at least temporarily, the thorny issue of border controls between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

“Businesses will recognise the efforts made by the Prime Minister, ministers and civil servants and their EU counterparts to reach this milestone.

“Brexit was never going to be an easy undertaking.

“However, with people’s livelihoods and the future prospects of some companies in the balance, now is not a time for snap judgments.

“Businesses will scrutinise the real-world implications of this agreement and expect their elected representatives to do the same.

“After two and half years of uncertainty, this agreement could mark the end of the beginning of a process to deliver a smoother exit from the EU.

“What businesses need now, as they have always needed, is clarity on the specific terms of trade they will face in future.

“The avoidance of sudden or multiple changes to trading conditions remains crucial to encouraging business investment and confidence.”

Speaking on Mr Raab’s resignation Jonathan Bullock, East Midlands MEP, said: “The resignation of Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab shows what a bad deal Theresa May has negotiated.

“She now must be forced out and a Brexiteer take over and deliver a real Brexit either by a Canada plus agreement or, if time has ran out, leaving with no deal and on WTO rules.”