Ibec CEO Danny McCoy yesterday (13 November) met British Prime Minister Theresa May, Brexit Secretary David Davis and Business Secretary Greg Clark in Downing St, as part of a delegation of key EU business federations, according to a statement.
Speaking after the meeting, McCoy said that the message to the UK government was clear, business is increasingly frustrated and concerned at the lack of progress in negotiations.
"To move past the first phase of talks, which covers Ireland, the financial settlement and citizens’ rights, we need practical solutions and firm commitments, not just rhetoric.” He said.
EU-UK Trading
McCoy said that EU and UK businesses will need an extended transition period to plan and adapt to any new EU-UK trading relationship.
"This period should ensure continuity with existing trading terms. Short-term and short-sighted political pressures must not overtake the overriding and obvious economic rationale for such arrangements,” said Mr McCoy.
“The UK has yet to match its stated commitment to a soft border on the island of Ireland with practical proposals to achieve this. A new approach is needed. The creation of new customs and regulatory barriers on the island of Ireland must be avoided."
Ibec also outlined that at the meeting, the gorup raised the issue of safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement and the future functioning of the all-island economy must not be just an Irish/EU priority, the UK must step up to the mark.
“While the meeting itself is testimony to an increasing recognition in Downing St that business and economic concerns need to better inform the UK approach, the unstable political backdrop remains a concern." McCoy added.
“While EU-UK relations have and will continue to come under strain as negotiations progress, it is important to remind ourselves that UK fortunes will be linked to those of the EU, even after Brexit. The closest possible future relationship is in all our interests.”
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
