Brexit: 46 Conservative MPs write to Theresa May demanding she 'listen to the voice of business now'

Latest intervention comes ahead of key Cabinet meeting at Chequers

Benjamin Kentish
Political Correspondent
Thursday 05 July 2018 13:21 BST
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Theresa May hopes to force her cabinet ministers to reach an agreement when they meet at Chequers on Friday
Theresa May hopes to force her cabinet ministers to reach an agreement when they meet at Chequers on Friday

46 Conservative MPs have written to Theresa May demanding she listen to business leaders when deciding the government's Brexit negotiating position.

A number of former cabinet ministers and chairs of parliamentary committees are among senior Tories who have signed the letter, which calls on the prime minister to "listen to the voice of business now".

It tells the Cabinet to dismiss any potential Brexit deal "without our trading, enterprising and innovative businesses and their employees at its heart".

The intervention comes ahead of a crunch Cabinet meeting at Chequers on Friday, at which ministers will attempt to thrash out the government's position on the future relationship between the UK and the EU.

The showdown talks will see warring ministers attempt to reach an agreement, with plans for the future customs arrangement with the EU at the heart of the dispute.

Business have repeatedly warned about the economic impact of a hard Brexit, with Jaguar Land Rover the latest company to say UK jobs could be lost.

The letter was signed by former cabinet ministers including Nicky Morgan, Justine Greening, Amber Rudd, Damian Green and Andrew Mitchell.

Tom Tugendhat, who chairs the foreign affairs committee, and justice committee chair Bob Neill have also added their names.

Writing to the prime minister, the MPs say: "The Conservative Party's commitment to UK businesses, of all sizes and in all sectors, has never been, and should never be, in doubt.

"Companies which are profitable and create jobs pay both significant business taxes and personal taxes and their employees do too - all of which help to fund our vital public services."

The letter continues: "This is why we want to urge you to listen to the voice of business now, as you lead the discussions with Cabinet about the UK's future relationship with the EU.

"We all have a real interest in ensuring the UK agrees the best possible Brexit deal. But a Brexit deal without our trading, enterprising and innovative businesses and their employees at its heart will miss the point and make a Global Britain harder to achieve.

"We all recognise the UK is leaving the EU next year. Time for putting in place a Brexit deal is short and we also urge the Cabinet to recognise that the time for debating is over and that a model must be found which supports your ambition for a future partnership with the EU Which allows for frictionless trade to continue, avoids a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, secures the Union and which enables businesses to flourish."

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