CBI responds to UK Government border planning announcement

Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:

“Introducing unilateral easements at the border for a short period in the event of no deal is sensible and pragmatic. It will be welcomed by Britain’s manufacturing and food businesses, which simply aren’t ready for chaotic changes with our biggest trading partner at the end of the year.

“Both sides know that post COVID recovery will be hugely damaged without an ambitious deal. So news of greater political engagement between negotiators starting next week will also raise hopes that the deadlock can be broken.

“A deal is possible and must be achieved. Failure will worsen inequalities and damage regional and national growth. And while this move will help businesses trading goods, businesses trading services must not be forgotten. So leaders on both sides must steel themselves to find a route through that helps economies, people’s jobs and living standards across Europe for the long-term.”