Cornwall Chamber and British Chambers of Commerce responds to result of meaningful vote

Politics has hit a stalemate

Yesterday was an historic day for the UK with Theresa May's Brexit deal being voted down so dramatically by MPs. Below we publish the British Chambers of Commerce response to this. Kim Conchie, CEO added that this signifies that Brexit has caused politics to hit a stalemate. Where possible, businesses should assume there will be no help from any government or elected leaders and get on with deelivering as far as possible your own business plan. Businesses should be reminded to visit the Brexit and Your Business section of our website, which also houses the Brexit checklist.


Responding to the Parliamentary defeat of the Meaningful Vote on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
 
“There are no more words to describe the frustration, impatience, and growing anger amongst business after two and a half years on a high-stakes political rollercoaster ride that shows no sign of stopping. Basic questions on real-world operational issues remain unanswered, and firms now find themselves facing the unwelcome prospect of a messy and disorderly exit from the EU on March 29^th.
 
“The overriding priority for both government and Parliament must now be to avoid the clear danger that a ‘no deal’ exit on the 29^th of March would pose to businesses and communities across the UK. Every second that ticks by sees more businesses spending money on unwanted changes, activating contingency plans or battening down the hatches and halting investment, as they try to anticipate a future that is no clearer now than it was at the time of the referendum result. 
 
“Businesses will take a dim view of more shuttle diplomacy and last-minute bargaining, which have so far done nothing to end the political impasse. The government must now urgently set out in concrete terms what it will do to avoid the damage that a messy and disorderly exit on March 29^th would cause to businesses, communities, and the UK economy.”
 
 
Ends
 
Notes to editors:
 
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 53 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk
 
 
Media contacts:
 
Allan Williams – Head of Press and Communications
020 7654 5812 / 07920583381
 
Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Manager
020 7654 5813 / 07825746812