Jump directly to the content
DELAY? NO WAY

Businesses warn MPs NOT to postpone Brexit saying delay could cost millions

Industry groups say they want to see the PM's deal succeed to bring Brexit chaos to an end

BUSINESS leaders today called on MPs to end the Brexit uncertainty and vote for a deal - or force firms to waste yet more money as the dithering continues.

Industry groups told The Sun businesses are "desperate" for a resolution to the Brexit debate.

 The House of Commons is voting on Brexit this week
2
The House of Commons is voting on Brexit this weekCredit: PA:Press Association

They expressed support for Theresa May's Brexit deal so Britain can finally leave the EU on March 29.

And they suggested the best way to rule out a chaotic No Deal was to vote for the withdrawal agreement in tomorrow's crunch Commons showdown.

A spokesman for the Confederation of British Industry said: "If a deal is secured, that would at least give businesses the certainty they're desperate for."

The Institute of Directors added: "A majority of our members want to avoid No Deal - that means supporting May's deal, because that's the only way to do it."

Stephen Jones, head of UK Finance, told The Sun: “Time is running out to avoid a chaotic No Deal Brexit that would do significant damage to the UK economy.

"Every day of uncertainty means more damage to investment, jobs and business confidence."

'NO MORE GAMES'

And Mike Cherry of the Federation of Small Businesses said: “Over the next week, small businesses need to see Parliament come together and map a credible route towards a pro-business deal that delivers the transition period they crave.

"There is no more time for political games."

If the PM's deal is defeated today, the Commons is expected to vote for a delay to Brexit of up to three months.

But bosses warned a delay is "pointless" if it means just kicking the can down the road.

A spokesman for the British Chambers of Commerce said: "It can't just be delay for the sake of delay, it has to be with an idea of what happens next."

The British Retail Consortium said retail firms are spending cash on contingency plans because they don't know what shape Brexit will take.

The group said: "A delay would increase the length of time they're spending that money to prepare for No Deal."

Tomorrow the House of Commons will vote on whether to accept the Prime Minister's deal.

If it is defeated, MPs will then be given the choice between leaving with No Deal on March 29, or delaying Brexit instead.

 Theresa May is fighting to save her deal
2
Theresa May is fighting to save her dealCredit: PA:Press Association
Jeremy Hunt warns Britain is two thirds of the way to a second EU referendum on the Andrew Marr Show


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online politics team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours


Topics