UK chemical industry urges new government to ‘get Brexit right'

London – The UK Chemical Industries Association (CIA) has urged the new government to “get Brexit right” following a 12 Dec general election in the country, which gave a large majority to the Conservative Party.

In a 13 Dec statement, association CEO Steve Elliott said businesses now had political clarity and certainty regarding the UK's departure from the European Union.

"Now we must get Brexit right and secure an exit and future trading relationship between the UK and the EU that enables broader manufacturing [in the country],” Elliott added..

The deal, he went on to say, should also enable the chemical industry to “maintain and grow” its contribution to the UK economy.

Prime minister Boris Johnson has pledged to use his party's large parliamentary majority to quickly complete the country's exit from the EU.

Elliott said the chemicals manufacturers are keen to see "rapid progress" on Brexit after more than three years of political stalemate.

"We now look forward to working with the prime minister, his government, all political parties across Parliament and the ... administrations to ensure a strong UK manufacturing presence," he said. 

The industry, Elliot added, would support both the UK government and the EU “to ensure there is a frictionless, free trade agreement in place as soon as possible.” 

It is also in the UK’s “environmental and commercial best interests” to secure close regulatory alignment with the EU and allow the country to attract and retain skilled people, the CIA boss concluded.