Business groups call on Theresa May to use Article 50 extension to avoid no-deal Brexit
Business groups have called for Prime Minister Theresa May to use to the extension of Article 50 agreed last night to avoid a no-deal Brexit.
EU leaders last night agreed to push the Brexit deadline back to 12 April from the previous date of 29 March.
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Chief executive of UK Finance Stephen Jones said: “The government has been granted an opportunity to avoid a disastrous ‘no-deal’ that could cause significant economic damage to the UK and EU.
“MPs on all sides of the house must now work together and pull the UK back from the precipice by finding a majority for a way forward.
“Failure to do so would be a reckless gamble with the country’s future prosperity.”
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Chief executive of TechUK Julian David said: “Tech companies are known for being forward looking and disruptive, but even digital businesses could not envision the level of Brexit uncertainty they have endured. The outcome of the European Council has given the UK a clear path to avoid a no-deal Brexit.
“For those tech businesses desperate to avoid such an outcome, and the thousands of workers they employ, this comes as a relief after yet more political instability. However, the path for next week is now very clear. If the Prime Minister cannot secure approval from parliament for her deal, it is critical that all alternative options are put to MPs and those from all parties work together to agree a change in the process that secures a longer extension to Article 50 to deliver a solution which protects jobs and investment in the UK.”
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