TRADE and consumer groups have called on newly re-elected prime minister, Boris Johnson, to end the “crippling uncertainty that has plagued UK businesses” and secure the “best Brexit possible”.
Following the Conservatives’ election win Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said it is “key that we complete the ambitious Brexit timetable with a withdrawal agreement that supports UK businesses and eliminates any risk of a ‘No Deal’ scenario”.
“We welcome the government’s pledge to back British business and this can start immediately by cutting wine and spirit tax,” said Beale.
“A cut to all hospitality business rates would also provide a welcome boost to the struggling high street.”
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, said: “A majority means that we begin to draw a line under the uncertainty we have felt over the last few years.
“The priority for this government will be to secure the best Brexit possible, and the sooner it does that the sooner it needs to fulfil its election promises to business.”
And the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland said the new government “must deliver a Brexit deal with a transition period long enough for small businesses to prepare for a change in trading conditions”.
The group’s Scotland policy chair, Andrew McRae, said: “Scotland’s business community will hope that this general election has rebooted the UK’s political system. Now we need to see our newly elected representatives deliver a Brexit process that doesn’t buckle the real economy while taking action on long-neglected domestic policy issues, like the UK’s late payment crisis.
“We need to see a Brexit process with a built-in preparatory period. And all of Scotland’s elected representatives need to press for an immigration system that delivers for our local economies and communities.
“During this election, candidates have been pounding the streets of our local towns up and down the country. Our new and returning MPs need to remember these important local places and ensure that they get their fair share of UK Government towns funding.”
