CBI chief demands urgent end to Brexit ‘logjam’

Paul Drechsler will use his final speech as (Confederation of British Industry) CBI president to the organisation’s annual dinner on Tuesday to call on politicians on all sides of the political divide to champion UK business in the global economy.

The affects of Brexit uncertainty

An advance copy of his speech shows he will emphasise the need for an urgent end to Brexit uncertainty, so that business and government can get on with tackling the country’s poor productivity and unacceptable regional inequality.While Mr Drechsler will welcome the Prime Minister Theresa May’s efforts to find a compromise on a post-Brexit customs deal, he will stricture all political leaders to be clear that “the current Brexit impasse is a handbrake on our economy that can and must be released”.The outgoing president will also set out four tests for a future customs partnership with the EU. It must: maintain friction-free trade at the UK-EU border; ensure no extra burdens are incurred behind the border; guarantee there are no border barriers for Northern Ireland; and boost export growth with countries both inside and outside the EU.

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Brexit service sector ‘logjam’

He will also emphasise the urgent need to find to find a post-Brexit solution for arrangements for the UK’s service sector, which accounts for more than three-quarters of the nation’s GDP.“We need to break the Brexit logjam and fast because there’s so much more that we need to get on with,” Mr Drechsler will say.“A pragmatic decision to be in a customs union with the EU would allow us to move on. We can then use the exceptional talent within our civil service, the drive of business and the energy of our political leadership to tackle the root causes of low productivity and unacceptable regional inequality in our country. These are the goals that really matter.“If we take the right Brexit decisions today, we can transform the fabric of our economy. We can revolutionise our approach to education and skills to give the next generation the best possible chance to succeed.“Take the big decisions on infrastructure, including approval for Heathrow’s third runway by the summer, so construction can start by 2020. Connect the whole of the UK to the global markets of the future.“Rise to the challenge of digital transformation, where the UK has the potential to lead the world.“My final message as CBI president is this: let’s work together – business and government – as never before in the partnership of the century to change the lives of millions of people for the better. We can do that if the right decisions are made today.”On the future relationship between business and politics, Mr Drechsler will say, “For some in politics, business advice and expertise seems to be treated as an inconvenient truth. It may go in the face of what they want to hear, but such evidence is critical for a successful economy.“Business does get things wrong. There’s more to do on business trust, on late payment, on transparency and on gender pay.“But any politician who promotes resentment about business is taking a risk with the country’s future. The UK’s reputation as one of the most pro-enterprise places on earth is one of our greatest assets. We should protect it and strengthen it, not shoot ourselves in the foot.“It’s a simple truth. That when business gets going, it can change the world. Where markets are opened to business, enterprise spreads, jobs are created, trade grows and prosperity rises.” For related news and features, visit our Brexit section.Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory 

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