CBI Director General responds to Prime Minister's speech at CBI Annual Conference

Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech, Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:

“The Prime Minister has opened the door for enterprise and government to work together and build a fairer and more competitive UK.

“Getting the right Brexit deal will dominate the coming weeks but we can’t afford to lose sight of the domestic agenda. At the heart of that is people. We need a focus on jobs, skills and investment.

On immigration, Carolyn said:

“Government may be listening to business when it comes to immigration, but they still aren’t hearing.

“Free movement of people is ending and a new immigration system represents a seismic shift – one that firms across the country need time to adapt to.

“A false choice between high and low skilled workers would deny businesses, from house builders to healthcare providers, the vital skills they need to succeed.

“The best way to build public confidence is through a migration system based on contribution, not numbers.”

On Brexit, Carolyn said:

“Future prosperity depends on getting the Brexit deal right. The overwhelming message from business is to make progress, don’t go backwards.

“We need frictionless trade, ambitious access for our world-beating services and a transition period which draws us back from the cliff edge. Anything less than that and jobs and investment could suffer.”