CBI welcomes backtracking on full EU border checks
The deputy director-general of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) has welcomed the idea of less rigorous EU border checks on imports after the Brexit transition period finishes at the end of this year.
His comments come after the Financial Times reported that ministers had abandoned plans to introduce full checks following pressure from businesses.
Josh Hardie of the CBI says: “If confirmed, this would be welcome news for many businesses, which simply aren’t ready for chaotic changes with our biggest trading partner at the end of the year.”
PM Boris Johnson will meet the presidents of the European Commission, Council and Parliament remotely on Monday, as negotiations step up to attempt to secure a trade deal with the EU.
Hardie says news of “greater political engagement” is “a step in the right direction to an ambitious deal with the EU that will form a cornerstone of our recovery”.
“Walking away without a deal would be deeply damaging while businesses are dealing with Covid-19. It worsen inequalities, damaging regional and national growth,” he says.
“So leaders on both sides must steel themselves to find a route through that helps economies, people’s jobs and living standards across Europe.”
