UKWA's Peter Ward

Peter Ward, CEO of UKWA (United Kingdom Warehousing Association), has called on members to contact their MPs and voice support for the Government's latest Brexit deal, announced last week.

"While recognising that the withdrawal agreement tabled by the Government is not perfect and includes areas of compromise, if this is the mechanism that allows us to get over the line into a transition agreement, we welcome it," he says.

"The PM is in an impossible position in trying to carry everyone with her, but the alternative of no deal is unthinkable. The country has spoken and leave means leave, as the PM has repeatedly said. However, from a business perspective, it is vital that we have enough time to plan for transition. Furthermore, it is important to remember that this is not the final outcome but a strategic step forward.

"As ever, the devil will be in the mass of detail that follows, and these negotiations are hugely complex. The key achievement now will be to move the country forward towards transition.

"Our message to UKWA members - and to the wider business community - is that it is business that will drive the economy, and business must ensure that our message is heard."

Ward is urging members to contact their MPs and express support for the proposed deal "in order to keep our economy going and the transition process moving forward".

According to the British press, the Prime Minister has been forced to release analysis comparing the economic impact of her Brexit deal to staying in the EU. The decision means the government will have to publish Treasury analysis before MPs again vote on the move away from Europe.