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 on Wednesday night.

“While recognizing 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 said.

“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 detail 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 the message is heard. The media are looking to sensationalise the story and are reporting only those few high profile, vocal individuals who are at the extremes rather than the majority of moderate voices.

Therefore, I urge members to contact their MPs and express support for Mrs. May’s proposed deal in order to keep our economy going and the transition process moving forward. Those politicians expressing entrenched positions based on ideology alone need to be balanced by those with a pragmatic view and an understanding of the true impact of Brexit on business.

This is a huge responsibility, not just for the UK government, but for businesses too. Business needs this transition in order to achieve an orderly exit from the EU.”