The UK should stay in the single market and customs union until a final Brexit deal is in force, according to the CBI. Carolyn Fairbairn, head of the business lobby group, said it was impossible that all the details of a new trade deal with the European Union would be in place by March 2019. That is when talks about the UK's withdrawal are due to formally finish.
A group of major business lobby groups has written an open letter urging the United Kingdom government to preserve barrier free trade with Europe. The letter is signed by leaders of the Confederation of British Industry, CBI, and manufacturers' body the EEF.