CBI Chief: Businesses Reject Reversing Brexit, Rejoining EU

The head of the CBI, Rain Newton-Smith, has confirmed that British businesses do not support reversing Brexit or rejoining the European Union. This admission highlights a significant divide between the corporate world and left-leaning politicians pushing for closer ties with Brussels.

Her statement comes amidst ongoing political discussions about Britain’s relationship with Europe, with some figures on the left advocating for deeper integration. The CBI’s position clarifies the prevailing sentiment within the business community, directly contradicting these political ambitions.

The Business Community’s Stance

Rain Newton-Smith, the director-general of the CBI, explicitly stated that businesses are not looking to “relitigate the referendum.” She revealed that the business community does not wish to rewind ten years from the referendum result.

This firm stance underscores a desire among business leaders to move forward, despite acknowledging the costs associated with Brexit. The focus remains on adapting to the current landscape rather than revisiting past debates.

What Political Figures Are Saying

“The evidence is compelling and indisputable that Brexit has created costs for business. But businesses aren’t looking to relitigate the referendum. None of the business leaders I speak to want to reopen that debate.”

— Rain Newton-Smith, Director-General, CBI

Ms Newton-Smith’s comments directly challenge the narrative from politicians like Andy Burnham, who is seen as a potential successor to Sir Keir Starmer and has signalled future EU membership ambitions. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has also urged Mr Burnham to pursue “much closer ties with Europe,” specifically advocating for rejoining the single market and a customs union.

Key Facts from the CBI

• British businesses do not back reversing Brexit.
• Businesses do not support rejoining the EU.
• The business community does not want to go back 10 years from the referendum.
• CBI admits Brexit has “created costs for business.”
• Business leaders are not looking to “reopen that debate” on the referendum.

What This Means for Britain

This clear statement from the CBI means that the calls from certain politicians to reverse Brexit or rejoin the EU are out of step with the nation’s employers. It signals that the focus for businesses is on navigating the current economic reality, not on endless political wrangling over past decisions. For working families, this means that the promises of a return to the EU are not supported by those who create jobs and drive the economy.

Economically, the CBI’s position suggests that stability and adaptation are prioritised over radical shifts. While Brexit has created costs, the business community’s rejection of rejoining indicates that they see the path forward as one of leveraging new trade agreements, such as those with India and Gulf states, rather than returning to old arrangements.

Politically, this intervention creates a stark divide. It exposes the chasm between the corporate world and those on the left who continue to push for deeper engagement with Brussels. It suggests that such political ambitions lack the crucial backing of the very businesses they claim to represent, highlighting a disconnect within the establishment.

The stakes are high: if politicians continue to ignore the clear message from the business community, they risk alienating the engines of our economy. Britain needs leaders focused on future prosperity, not on endlessly relitigating the past. Your future, your job, and your family’s financial security depend on a stable, forward-looking economic policy, not on political fantasy.

Share this if you believe Britain deserves leadership that listens to its businesses and focuses on our future, not the past. Demand answers from your MP on their plans for real economic growth.

Source: GB News | Breaking Brexit News