Star comment: Act fast to end Brexit uncertainty
For all of the criticism that Prime Minister Theresa May has faced since her ill-fated gamble on an early election, she has at last made some progress on the thorny issue of Brexit.
The Prime Minister has been clear that Britain is leaving the EU, that her Government is committed to delivering Brexit and that there will be no about-turns or backsliding. She has been as good as her word.
Mrs May’s intervention in Florence and more recently regarding the divorce bill, the Irish border, the rights of EU citizens in the UK and similar matters have taken us onto the second round of Brexit talks.
Brexit is the political issue of the age. It inspires a range of emotions that are positive and negative. Some are heartily tired of the constant flow of Brexit news (or non-news); some are angry at a perceived lack of progress; others are still trying to come to terms with the fact that Britain has voted to leave the EU and cannot imagine what the future will look like.
But whatever perspective individuals have, there can be little doubt that the uncertainty is not helping our businesses.
And that is why Mrs May’s determination to get Britain through the process is to be welcomed. She has staked her reputation on delivering Brexit and is having to make some uncomfortable compromises along the way.
It is unlikely that Mrs May will ever have the reputation of iron that was synonymous with Britain’s first woman Prime Minister, Lady Thatcher. But how she handles the remainder of the Brexit process will no doubt determine whether history judges her kindly.
Businesses need a clear indication of the position as quickly as possible so that they can plan for the future. The news that some firms are already holding off on investment is worrying, though not at all surprising. Uncertainty and a lack of confidence are lead weights to our business community. Decision makers cannot move forward if they fear that their plans will later come undone.
And so swiftness and decisiveness are exceptionally important as we move through the Brexit process. The clock is against us with 2019 already within sight. Mrs May must fashion a deal that suits the country and its economy.
While progress is at last being made, there is still a huge amount to do.
