UK Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders urged “swifter progress” on Brexit negotiation and pushed for as deal that , as a minimum, “maintains customs union membership and delivers single market benefits.”
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said in a report there is “growing frustration in global boardrooms at the slow pace of negotiations”. And “the current position, with conflicting messages and red lines goes directly against the interests of the UK automotive sector which has thrived on single market and customs union membership.”
Hawes added that there is “no credible plan B” for so called frictionless customs arrangements. And it’s unrealistic to expect new trade deals with the rest of the world would ” replicate the immense value of trade with the EU”. He urged Prime Minister Theresa May’s government to “rethink its position on the customs union”.
He also pointed to “increasingly hostile and protectionist global trading environment”. And the until the government can “demonstrate exactly how a new model for customs and trade with the EU can replicate the benefits we currently enjoy, don’t change it.
