Theresa May to meet EU business bosses in Brexit charm offensive

Prime Minister Theresa May will meet EU business organisations on Monday as part of a charm offensive to coincide with the next round of Brexit negotiations.

May will tell the business leaders the government is committed to an “implementation period of around two years” after Brexit, 10 Downing Street announced this evening.

Firms on both sides of the Channel are keen for Brexit negotiators to secure a transitional deal which allows business to carry on as before until there is a clearer idea of the longer-term trading relationship.

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However, some businesses, particularly in the financial services sector, have expressed alarmed over the government’s flirtation a “no deal” scenario, in which trade would revert to World Trade Organisation terms as soon as the UK leaves the EU.

May will reiterate her plans for a deep economic relationship with the EU, first outlined in her Florence speech, to business representatives from the influential German BDI, France’s Medef, and Italy’s Confindustria, amongst others.

Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Poland will also be represented, while the Confederation of British Industry and the Institute of Directors will represent British business.

The business leaders will discuss “shared opportunities for industry as the UK prepares to leave the EU” with the Prime Minister.

May will be accompanied by business secretary Greg Clark, Brexit secretary David Davis and City minister Stephen Barclay.

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