CPI Challenges Government to Deliver a Brexit for Business

Continued uncertainty over the outcome of the Brexit negotiations is having a growing impact on the UK’s Paper-based Industries. As the date of Brexit approaches, businesses are left in limbo not knowing whether to prepare for a new long-term trading relationship or a hard “no deal” Brexit.

The UK’s Paper-based Industries have set four key tests for the Brexit outcome:

• Our existing European supply chains to the UK must not be disrupted by new tariff or non-tariff barriers
• We must continue to be able to serve our customers competitively across Europe from the UK
• Standards for products and equipment must remain the same across the UK and Europe
• We must be able to move skilled people across the Channel to meet business needs

Andrew Large, Director General of the Confederation of Paper Industries commented:

“It was clearly an error for the UK to invoke Article 50 in the absence of a clear Brexit policy supported by both the Cabinet and Parliament. We can only hope that in remaining weeks and months, cool negotiating heads can agree a viable long-term relationship between the UK and EU27. We urge the Government to come to an agreement with the EU that will enable cross channel business to continue with the minimum of disturbance. We need a Brexit for Business.”

ENDS

For further information or to arrange an interview with Andrew Large contact Mike Dobson, Communications and Public Affairs Manager on 01793 889612 or email [email protected]

NOTES TO EDITORS

• The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) is the leading trade association representing the UK’s Paper-based Industries, comprising paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers, makers of soft tissue papers, and collectors of paper for recycling.
• CPI represents an industry with an aggregate annual turnover of £11.5 billion, with 56,000 direct and a further 86,000 indirect employees.