British business leaders are urging the winner of the upcoming UK elections to prioritize improving relations with the European Union. Despite the UK leaving the EU four years ago, the bloc remains the UK’s most important export market. However, Brexit has increased the costs of doing business with the European mainland.
“The next government must negotiate for improved trade conditions for the United Kingdom with our largest trading partner, the European Union,” said the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), which represents more than 50 regional chambers of commerce across the country.
The business lobbying organization also believes that the UK government should complete the “current pipeline of free trade talks” with countries like Switzerland, Turkey, and India.
Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European internal market, leading to more border controls on goods such as food. This has resulted in additional costs and bureaucracy for both imports and exports. Critics argue that these increased costs have also contributed to inflation in the UK.
The BCC emphasizes the need for the next government to address these challenges to enhance the competitiveness of British businesses. Improved trade relations with the EU and the completion of free trade agreements with other key markets are seen as essential steps for stabilizing and growing the UK’s economy in the post-Brexit landscape.
