CBI responds to Queen's speech

Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:

“With a no deal Brexit still possible and a General Election looming, for businesses this Queen’s Speech was less about the pomp and more about the circumstance.

“The Prime Minister has a domestic vision that could excite enterprise and drive growth.

“Firms will welcome the focus on improving jobs, backed by investment in science, infrastructure and education.

“Businesses could work with a points-based immigration system that recognises people’s contribution is about much more than just their pay packet.

“With a clear, environmental vision that builds on the existing industrial strategy, the UK could step forward with renewed confidence.

“But it is impossible to ignore the Brexit straight-jacket. The reality of no deal is that it would set the country back. To deliver the ambition set out in the Queen’s Speech, the will to get a deal must unlock a way to build a new, closely aligned relationship with the EU.”