ADS responds to rejection of Withdrawal Agreement
The Government has since survived a vote of confidence in the House of Commons and the Prime Minister has opened discussions with senior Parliamentarians and Party leaders to try and build a Parliamentary consensus on the way forward. It is anticipated that on Monday of next week she will make a further statement to the House of Commons setting out any progress and plans.
Pausing Article 50 is an option that will need to be considered if deadlock persists. ADS is liaising with other business organisations and will await further detail on the Prime Minister’s approach.
ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “We are disappointed that Parliament has chosen to reject the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration.
“Government and Parliament should now work together to build a consensus on our future relationship with the EU, one that can command support in Parliament and approval by our European partners.
“There is limited time remaining and businesses across the UK are carrying out costly contingency plans for a no deal Brexit. Leaving without a deal in March would be the worst possible outcome for our industries. Government must take all necessary steps to avoid this scenario.”
ADS' current position is that the priorities for the UK Aerospace, Defence, Space and Security industries must be to avoid leaving the EU without a deal at the end of March, to encourage Government and Parliament to work together to secure a consensus on the UK's future relationship with the EU and to take appropriate steps to protect the jobs and competitiveness of UK businesses during this period of uncertainty.
ADS will continue to champion the elements it considers make up a good deal with the EU; continued participation in the European Aviation Safety Agency and European Chemicals Agency, frictionless borders to allow our integrated supply chains to work efficiently, access to European research programmes and a close Defence and Security relationship.
ADS has regular meetings and discussions with Ministers and senior officials and will continue to push for pragmatic solutions that protect the UK's competitiveness, prosperity and national Security.
ADS has a Brexit Hub which is regularly updated and provides the latest insight, information and guidance.
To access the ADS Brexit Hub click here
