Government urged to redouble efforts to keep single market

Some of the City's biggest business groups have urged the Government to redouble efforts to maintain access to the single market, take a 'sensible' approach to immigration and reject protectionism as part of Brexit negotiations.
Compromise and common sense are vital to achieve what the UK wantsCompromise and common sense are vital to achieve what the UK wants
Compromise and common sense are vital to achieve what the UK wants

The comments, from the Institute of Directors (IoD), the City of London Corporation and TheCityUK, come ahead of the 100-day anniversary of Britain’s decision to quit the European Union.

Simon Walker, director general of the IoD, told the Press Association: “The Government must set out a positive vision for a free-trading Britain which is open to talent from anywhere in the world.

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“That means resisting calls for protectionism and taking a sensible approach on immigration which recognises that in order to succeed, British companies need the skilled workers from the EU and beyond.”

Mr Walker also said that since the initial shock of the Brexit vote is wearing off, and companies are feeling more optimistic, the Government must move quickly to underpin business confidence and ensure Britain remains open.

Post-referendum data has shown some resilience in the economy, but Mr Walker is urging the Chancellor Philip Hammond to introduce measures in the Autumn Statement that encourage businesses to spend.

“In the short-term, the Chancellor needs to take steps at the Autumn Statement, like raising the annual investment allowance to £1 million a year, that will encourage business to spend,” he said.

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Meanwhile, Mark Boleat, policy chairman at the City of London Corporation, reiterated the importance for the Square Mile’s financial institutions to retain passporting rights, which allow them to do business in Europe.

“The number one issue for the City is the uncertainty that Brexit has caused. The general consensus within the Square Mile is that access to the single market with passporting rights will be important in ensuring sustained economic growth, and easy access to skilled labour is also a major need for businesses.