Our response to the Prime Minister's Conference speech

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn DBE, CBI Director-General, said:

“The UK is at a crossroads. One road leads to the Prime Minister’s optimistic vision for our country. Firms will back the call for business and Government to work together to lift growth and tackle inequality. This scale of ambition for infrastructure, skills, sustainability and trade will show the world that the UK is a magnet for world-class enterprise.

“But this vision relies on a good Brexit deal. The No Deal turning ends in a very different place: a swamp that will slow the UK’s every step for years to come.

“There are 21 working days to go to get a deal and not a second to waste.

“It's not clear the Government's proposals as reported move us forward. They cannot be the final destination, stranding Northern Ireland with friction on all sides. But firms will desperately hope there is room for further urgent conversation between UK, EU and devolved nations.

“No Deal would be a historic failure of statecraft. We urge all sides to keep the door open on the chance to get Brexit done with a deal.”