Boost for PM as Remain supporter and Lloyd’s of London boss tells her businesses want Brexit now
Uncertainty over triggering of Article 50 is not good for business, says Lloyd's chairman John Nelson
A KEY Remain supporter and leading business figure has given Theresa May a Brexit boost by telling her to “get cracking” on getting Britain out of the European Union.
John Nelson, the chairman of Lloyd’s of London, said the longer the uncertainty goes on, the worse it is for business.
The PM’s timetable for Brexit starting at the end of March is now uncertain because of last week’s decision in the High Court that the Government must seek MPs’ approval to trigger the process of leaving the EU.
Despite this decision, and the Government’s appeal being heard by the Supreme Court on December 5, Brexit Secretary David Davis said it should still all be on track.
This is backed by Mr Nelson who told : “To be blunt with you, the longer the uncertainty goes on the worse it is for business.”
“Get cracking is my view.”
He was part of the business delegation which accompanied Mrs May on her visit to India and he said he thinks Ministers are now understanding what companies want from the Brexit deal.
As well as saying they want passporting rights to trade in the EU after Brexit he said they want single market access.
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He said Article 50 has to be triggered so countries remaining in the EU will start to negotiate transitional arrangements.
Speaking to Sky News at the end of her three-day visit, she said: “Leaving the EU presents us with a world of opportunities and I’m determined to seize them.
“That’s why I’m here in India, delivering on global Britain. And I have to say the response has been very good.
“During this visit, we’ve seen £1 billion worth of deals being signed and we’ve come to an agreement with the Indian government that we will work together with them on developing our trade relationship for the future.
“What does that mean? It means more jobs, more investment in the UK, more trade for British businesses and that’s good for everyone.”
If the Government loses its appeal at the Supreme Court a way to get it through could be by rushing a one-line Bill through Parliament.
Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson has insisted the party would not block Theresa May from triggering Article 50 – only hours after his boss Jeremy Corbyn suggested it could.
And former Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg confirmed his party would cash in on the ruling by refusing support in the Commons unless the Government committed to a public vote on the final terms of the Brexit deal.
Mr Clegg said the Lib Dems could use their army of peers in the unelected House of Lords to block any agreement they did not like.
Lloyd's of London is a British insurance market where multiple financial backers come together to pool and spread risk.