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SCC RESPONSE TO THE TRIGGERING OF ARTICLE 50

29th March 2017

• There has been enough speculation and talk. Entering the process of detailed negotiations will ultimately reduce business uncertainty.
• The priorities of business must be the starting point for negotiations. 
• The abundance of expertise in the private sector throughout the United Kingdom and internationally must be utilised.
• It is critical for Government to continue to communicate but business understands that the negotiations will be sensitive and fluid

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty has been triggered, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

 This decision brings greater certainty.   What is now required is for Government to prioritise the needs of business and our economy in the negotiations ahead.  The Scottish Chambers of Commerce network has been clear in terms of our focus on these negotiations.  Business wants to see tariff-free access to the EU single market, with regulatory barriers kept to a minimum; we need urgent clarity of the status of EU workers in the UK and UK workers in the EU; and we need confirmation on the future of tax legislation, especially VAT, and positive outcomes on negotiations on continued access to, or the replacement of, EU funding mechanisms.

There is a wealth of business experience that must be tapped if the UK is to achieve the best possible deal over the coming years and both Governments must continue engaging and involving business in this process, as it finally gets underway.

Equally, while Brexit is vitally important to Scottish businesses, our governments cannot afford to lose sight of domestic issues.  That is why issues like Scotland’s ongoing Enterprise and Skills Review and the UK Industrial Strategy must continue to receive the attention they deserve from our politicians.