Theresa May welcomed the latest Brexit blueprint which was agreed by Ministers at Chequers on Friday. which states the final offer the UK will make to the European Union.
The proposal seeks to preserve frictionless goods trade and avoid the border checks and tariffs most feared by manufacturing companies.
The Confederation of Business Industry (CBI) represents 190,000 firms across the UK, said the blueprint was a “good starting point”. Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI’s director-general, said:
“Business will welcome the fact the Government has reached agreement. Initial signs suggest the proposal is based on the evidence firms have provided on the impact on jobs and living standards. That is good news – particularly the free trade area for goods, which the CBI and its members have long called for.”
The Institute of Directors has also welcomed Friday evening’s announcement with director general, Stephen Martin, saying the proposal seems a sensible approach to the challenging dilemmas the UK faces in these negotiations. He said: “Our members have wanted Cabinet to come together and put the interest of the country first, so firms across the UK will see this as a positive step forward.”
He claimed the proposals touch many of the complex issues such as customs, regulations, the Northern Ireland border, while also highlighting the importance for the UK to develop an independent trade policy.
