'Stay at the table. Don't walk away'

Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:

“Two words that have been sorely missing from this week’s Brexit developments are ‘economy’ and ‘business’.

“This matters. Companies have been struggling with uncertainty for more than three years, with significant damage to investment and productivity.

“Business has an unequivocal message for both sides: put all your energy into compromise. Don’t walk away. Stay at the table and get a deal.

“Like the UK Government, firms are keen to move beyond Brexit and refocus on the domestic policy agenda. No deal will move the UK backwards. And risking peace and prosperity on the island of Ireland can never be a price worth paying.

“Only a deal that passes Parliament, is acceptable to the EU and works for all UK nations and regions will usher in a transition period and the certainty firms crave.

“If people’s jobs and prosperity are put at the centre of discussions, the tone can change and deal can be done.”