Business Reps Urge New PM To Secure Brexit Deal

Business chiefs have welcomed Boris Johnson to the role of Prime Minister by urging him to secure a deal for the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

The former Mayor of London took up the role on Wednesday and promised to deliver Brexit on 31 October, "come what may".

Commenting on the election, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts urged Johnson to hit the ground running and secure a deal.

"A No Deal is simply not an option that should even be considered given the economic devastation it would cause Northern Ireland with the loss of 40,000 jobs," Mr Roberts said.

The Conservative Party leader was also urged to ignite a new sense of vigour in the process to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland.

The Retail Chief warned: "We cannot continue much longer without a functioning government given the huge challenges ahead with Education, Business Rates and Infrastructure investment.

"We hope that the new Prime Minister will make an early visit to Northern Ireland and engage with the business community on all these issues."

Meanwhile, the Confederation of British Industry has set out three demands for the UK industry in Mr Johnson's first 100 days as PM and offered support as he navigates the coming months.

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said: "Many congratulations to Boris Johnson. British business shares your optimism for the UK. Let's work together to get our economy back on track and working for communities everywhere.

"Business needs three things in the first 100 days. A Brexit deal that unlocks confidence; clear signals the UK is open for business; and a truly pro-enterprise vision for our country.

"On Brexit, the new Prime Minister must not underestimate the benefits of a good deal. It will unlock new investment and confidence in factories and boardrooms across the country. Business will back you across Europe to help get there.

"Early signals back home also matter. From a new immigration system to green-lighting major infrastructure, there is no time to waste."

The new Prime Minister began his tenure in 10 Downing Street by conducting a major rearrangement of cabinet, sacking Northern Ireland Secretary of State Karen Bradley and forming an alliance of Brexiteers on the front benches.

Making his first statement in the House of Commons, Johnson promised the "beginning of a new golden age" and said the UK will become a "seedbed for the most exciting and the most dynamic business investments on the planet".

Former chief whip and MP for Skipton and Ripon Julian Smith has been appointed as NI Secretary, a decision welcomed by combined business body Trade NI.

Made up of Retail NI, Manufacturing NI and Hospitality Ulster- Trade NI represents most of all firms providing private sector employment in the region.

"The Secretary of State needs to listen to us and do what they can in the current limbo situation to implement policies and make legislative changes that will help grow Northern Ireland," CEO's Stephen Kelly (Manufacturing NI), Colin Neill (Hospitality Ulster) and Glyn Roberts (Retail NI) said.

"With much-needed decisions not being made on reform of business rates and infrastructure investment, not addressing an ever-growing skills gap and modernisation of our town centres, Northern Ireland is not just lagging behind the rest of the UK and Ireland, it is in real danger of being left behind. We need work to be done to increase the productivity of the NI workforce, reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, and deliver a clear economic strategy for Northern Ireland.

"We want a reboot of the economic policy of Northern Ireland, in order to benefit our economy and safeguard our business community."

Mr Smith has been invited to Trade NI's 'Northern Ireland' day in Westminster on September 11 to directly engage with hundreds of local business leaders who are expected to travel to London.



(JG/CM)