The letter, from Dr Adam Marshall, acting director general at the BCC, has said that, while the decision taken for the UK to leave the EU was of huge importance, the subsequent political and legislative process must not be allowed to crowd out other priority issues for business and the economy, many of which are wholly domestic in nature.
“Business cannot afford any period of parliamentary inaction and uncertainty on non-EU-related issues, whether two years or more in length, and we seek urgent reassurance that this will not be the case.”
It added that there was an urgent need for clarity on airport expansion, energy generation, house building, the planned apprenticeship levy, reform of business rates, devolution, and the future of the foundation industries that underpin manufacturing. “These and other decisions are urgently required to support firms that are working tirelessly and optimistically to deliver sales, profits, and prosperity despite facing skills gaps, export uncertainty, and a markedly softer economy.”
The letter went on: “The business communities we represent are understandably disappointed that Westminster has descended into a deep political post-mortem – rather than work to secure the best possible outcome from the negotiation and transition that lie ahead.
“As you and your eventual successor consider these concerns, we propose that the government convene a new, broad-based business taskforce on Europe to ensure that business priority issues form a key part of both domestic policy and EU exit negotiations during this critical transition.”
