IoD calls for government to publish Brexit negotiating objectives

28 Jan 2020

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has urged the government to publish its negotiating objectives as the UK moves towards the next stage of Brexit talks.

The business group surveyed 950 firms and found that many businesses don't think the Withdrawal Agreement provides enough certainty to unlock business investment.

55% of those polled said that they can only make planning and investment decisions with certainty once they understand what the relationship between the UK and the EU will look like. Just 35% of businesses feel the current withdrawal deal gives enough certainty.

'To put in place their investments, many of our members need to work from a clearer framework on our post-Brexit relationship with the EU,' said Allie Renison, Head of Europe and Trade Policy at the IoD.

'The Withdrawal Agreement provides clarity for the next 12 months and no further – enough for some organisations but not for those trying to take long-term decisions.

'To give businesses any chance of being ready for the new relationship by the end of 2020, the government needs to be as clear as possible about what its intended destination is.'