BREXIT: Business leaders to lobby EU into dropping rigid timetable
Eurocrats have stood by their commitment to force the UK to wait until citizens rights and the Brexit divorce bill are settled before continuing with transitional arrangements. But business leaders are concerned the bloc’s obsession with claiming billions of pounds from the British Government are getting in the way of creating job-saving deals ahead of the UK’s evacuation from the EU. And one UK insider has claimed British businesses are ready to lobby the EU into getting on with the deal. He said: “It’s not time to panic, but it is time for everyone to realise that the effects of Brexit are starting to show and it’s reasonable to assume those effects will get greater.”
GETTY Business leaders will join the Government's push to drop the Brexit timetable
The business leader, who is aware of the thinking of the nation’s CEOs added: “Phasing [of the Brexit talks] makes the timing difficult. “Some in Brussels feel a transition deal is not possible until the future relationship element of the talks. “We are going to be having conversations in Brussels encouraging a sensible approach to phasing.” The backing of British business will serve as a boost for the Government as they attempt to navigate the treacherous waters of Brexit.
Brexit transition phase: Cabinet splits three ways Thu, August 10, 2017 Who is pushing for the most gradual departure possible from the EU? And who favours a cleaner break? Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 15 HARD BREXIT: Andrea Leadsom
GETTY The backing of British business will serve as a boost for the government
And it will further serve Theresa May’s team as they attempt to push forward the agenda for a transitional deal which temporarily keeps the UK within the customs union. A Government spokesperson said: “We have been clear that we believe an implementation period is in the interests of both the U.K. and the EU, providing certainty to businesses and citizens, and ensuring we avoid any cliff-edge as we move to our future partnership. “It would be mutually beneficial for both parties if we agree this principle early in the process.”
Brexiteer John Redwood heralded the Government's approach as 'good news'
Brexit trade talks in pictures: UK Ministers explore potential trade deals Tue, July 25, 2017 Latest pictures as Britain's Ministers started informal trade talks all over the world Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 14 British Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox delivers remarks on 'The Future of UK Trade Policy' at the American Enterprise Institute