Business leaders to meet with PM to voice concerns over lack of Brexit clarity

Business leaders from across Europe are to meet with Prime Minister Theresa May later on Monday to voice their concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding a future UK-EU trade deal.

Experts from groups including the CBI and BusinessEurope are seeking reassurance from the Prime Minister to do all she can to keep the UK's status quo after Brexit.

Businesses organisations ranging from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, the Czech Republic and Belgium will also be represented.

They will urge the government to clarify the future relationship between the UK and the EU as the next round of Brexit talks are due to start in four weeks time.

The business leaders will also meet Business Secretary Greg Clark, Brexit Secretary David Davis and Economic Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay.

The agricultural industry has urged Brexit trade negotiators to consult with farming organisations and leaders before any negotiations are finalised to ensure farming matters take a place in the limelight.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) reiterated this message, releasing a report demanding 'razor-sharp political focus' at home and abroad.

The report, 'A New Outlook on International Trade', outlines the UK's £13.8bn worth of food and drink exports and how it must be protected.

The report highlights the risks and opportunities for agriculture in trade deals fundamental to the industry’s future, including maintaining continued access to the EU single market with minimal tariffs and non-tariff barriers.

'Knock in confidence'

The NFU's core principles comes as news of survey results showing that farmers’ confidence for the next three years has taken a significant knock.

The survey shows an 18-point drop in mid-term confidence in the last two years. It says the political environment since the UK voted to leave the EU is a key driver for this fall.

To add salt to the injury, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has previously warned of 'catastrophe' for the rural economy unless government negotiators secure the right Brexit deal.

But the CBI head Carolyn Fairbairn said negotiators on both sides of the UK-EU talks should aim to agree transitional arrangements as soon as possible to minimise this uncertainty.

She argued that staying inside the Single Market and Customs Union until a deal is in place is the “simplest route and a common-sense solution”, giving both negotiating teams time to iron out details and instil confidence in companies across Europe.