Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what representations he has received from business organisations about (a) a free trade agreement with the EU and (b) a strictly time-limited implementation period after the UK leaves the EU.

HMG has held numerous meetings with the business community since the Referendum in June last year. This has included over 350 individual meetings, roundtables and other types of engagement with sectors across the economy and in every region of the UK. Engagement with business has included discussions on a wide range of issues.

A cross-government Business Advisory Group, consisting of the five main business representative organisations, has also been established to ensure business is not only heard but is influential throughout the negotiations. The Prime Minister chairs a quarterly Business Advisory Council to hear directly from senior business leaders on the key issues across EU exit, and the wider economy. This engagement has helped to inform our positions on the implementation period and the deal we are seeking with the EU. The insight and analysis provided as a result of this close dialogue is incredibly valuable as we seek a bold and ambitious future partnership with the EU.