Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Institute of Directors' statement, with other business groups, against a "no deal" Brexit.

My Department continues to engage with businesses and representatives to understand their priorities and issues as we leave the European Union.

Delivering the deal negotiated with the EU remains our top priority and is the best way of avoiding a no deal scenario. However, until MPs have voted to approve the deal and with 12 weeks until we leave the EU, we will continue to prepare for every eventuality. That is the responsible thing to do.

We are clear that the UK will aim to minimise disruption for businesses in the short term, in a no deal scenario.

We’ve published 106 technical notices, which provide important information for businesses and, following Cabinet’s agreement on Tuesday, will provide further detailed guidance for businesses to follow over the coming weeks.