The BCC has published the top real-world questions being asked on Brexit by businesses across the UK – and says the government has managed to make limited progress on just 2 of the 24 issues where clarity is urgently needed so that firms can plan their trade following the UK’s departure from the EU.
In the aftermath of June’s European Council summit – with little progress made in narrowing the gap between the two sides – and ahead of Cabinet deliberations later this week on the UK’s negotiating stance, the BCC warns that continued uncertainty on firms’ day-to-day P&L questions is causing a significant slowdown in business investment.
The leading business organisation is calling on the UK government to draw a line under internal political debate and deliver urgent clarity on the practical, detailed issues that underpin trade – or face a continued deterioration in investment intentions and confidence as the clock ticks down to the October deadline to complete the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement.
As negotiations progress, Chambers of Commerce will be assessing progress against these questions. To date, businesses have had some assurances on the status of EU nationals in the UK workforce and on the industrial standards regime – hence the ‘amber’ ratings for these two issues. All others remain red, including:
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On Tax, whether a business will need to pay VAT on goods at point of import, and will services firms need to be registered in every EU Members State where it has clients
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On Tariffs, what Rules of Origin firms will have to comply with to receive preferential tariff rates
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On Customs, whether goods will be subject to new procedures, and delayed at border checkpoints
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On Regulation, whether checks on goods conducted in the UK will be recognised by the EU
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On Mobility, whether businesses will be able to transfer staff between the EU and the UK using the same processes as currently
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On R&D projects, whether UK businesses will be able to participate in EU projects after 2020
Full list of questions
© BCC - British Chambers of Commerce
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