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EU and international briefing

The CBI summaries the key Brexit takeaways from Annual Conference 2019.

21 Nov 2019, 3 min read

The issues that matter to business took centre stage on Monday, as the general election campaigns rolled into the CBI’s Annual Conference with political addresses from all three party leaders. Each party leader set out their vision for the economy, however, Brexit still featured heavily in the conversation. Boris Johnson looked to build support for his Brexit deal “to get Brexit done”, Jeremy Corbyn set out Labour’s pitch to renegotiate a new deal and hold a second referendum, and Jo Swinson reiterated the Liberal Democrats’ position of revoking article 50 on day one.

In his speech to the conference hall, CBI President, John Allan, emphasised that the current level of uncertainty cannot be allowed to continue in 2020. There is a great desire and need to have conversations about the future negotiations on our long-term relationship with the EU. This will only be possible as part of a wider partnership between government and business. John repeated the CBI’s call for better business engagement on trade between ministers, civil servants, MPs and businesses. John also reiterated that the new relationship with the EU must be one that maintains frictionless trade, keeps close regulatory alignment and supports our services sector.

Drawing on the CBI’s business manifesto John emphasised the importance of politicians taking the necessary time during the second phase of the negotiations to secure a sustainable, ambitious future relationship that works for all aspects of the UK economy.

Away from Brexit and as part of the CBI’s wider campaign to break down barriers for UK business globally, the CBI India office launched its report, Sterling Access - UK companies supporting India’s growth, on 8 November. It sets out a seven-point plan to catalyse progress on improving India’s business environment and is the key to unlock the Indian market for British companies.

Government Affairs Network - 11 December

Just one day before a crucial general election, the CBI will be offering the latest analysis alongside renowned polling expert Ben Page from Ipsos MORI. Regularly appearing on national TV and radio, Ben will provide exclusive insight into what the polls are indicating and what we could expect from the outcome of the election.

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Recent engagement

  • CBI Director-General, Carolyn Fairbairn, held productive meetings with Charles Roxburgh, Second Permanent Secretary, HM Treasury and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond
  • Several CBI staff members attended the Labour Party business stakeholder manifesto engagement meeting, which included discussions with Shadow Chancellor John McDonell, Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer, Shadow International Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner, Shadow BEIS Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey and Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury Peter Dowd
  • Guy Dru Drury visited Guangzhou, on 11-12 November for meetings with members and the British Consul-General.Guangzhou is the heart of China’s Greater Bay Area the economic powerhouse next to Hong Kong with 70 million people and a GDP the size of South Korea.