PM meeting with business advisory council: 9 October 2017
Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with businesses about the UK's proposal for an implementation period and our future trading partnership as we leave the EU.
A Downing Street spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister this afternoon chaired the latest meeting of the government’s business advisory council at Downing Street.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister set out the importance of the range of government’s engagements with businesses to date, and that these have informed our proposal of an implementation period and commitment to continue to attract the right talent to the UK workforce.
The Prime Minister reiterated the position set out in her Florence speech – that the government’s goal is for a smooth, orderly exit in which there is only one set of changes for businesses and people.
The importance of seeking an ambitious future trading partnership with the EU was also discussed, as well as forging new trade relationships around the world. The discussions on trade covered the publication of two White Papers today, outlining our approaches to trade and customs legislation after we leave the EU.
In addition, the council considered wider issues of importance to the UK economy including business and infrastructure investment, building consumer confidence, boosting productivity, further strengthening the UK’s skilled workforce and the huge potential for UK businesses to export.
The Prime Minister emphasised the benefits of meeting with employers at all levels over the past year and said she will continue to have regular engagement with a wide variety of voices right across business.