CBI chief to urge government and businesses to tackle 'Brexit logjam'

CBI president Paul Drechsler will use his last major speech in the role to call for an end to Brexit uncertainty to allow for businesses and the government to mend poor productivity and regional inequality.

It is understood that Drechsler will commend the Prime Minister’s efforts to reach a compromise on customs but will call for recognition of the fact that "the current Brexit impasse is a handbrake on our economy that can and must be released."

The CBI president will call for pragmatism on all sides to quickly break the "Brexit logjam".

Paul Drechsler, CBI President, will say: "If we take the right Brexit decisions today, we can transform the fabric of our economy. We can revolutionise our approach to education and skills to give the next generation the best possible chance to succeed."

Drechsler will argue that sorting out customs will solve just 40% of the issue, stating that the remaining issues of importance are securing a strong relationship with the single market and finding a working solution for services, which make up 80% of the UK economy.

He will also call for politicians to work closely with reputable and successful businesses throughout the Brexit transition.

CBI's outgoing chief will say: "For some in politics, business advice and expertise seems to be treated as an inconvenient truth. It may go in the face of what they want to hear, but such evidence is critical for a successful economy."

The speech will take place at the CBI annual dinner which is set to be attended by a 700-strong audience of both senior business and political leaders.

"My final message as CBI President is this: let’s work together – business and government - as never before in the partnership of the century to change the lives of millions of people for the better. We can do that if the right decisions are made today."