Responding to the conclusion of the latest round of negotiations between the UK and EU, Allie Renison, Head of Europe and Trade Policy at the Institute of Directors, said:

“While it’s inevitable that negotiations as significant as these wouldn’t produce results overnight, it’s worrying to hear how far apart things are given how little road there is left.

“Naturally, the sticking points will always attract the most attention, and it would be more productive to know what progress has been made, if any. These are no normal trade talks – there much bigger consequences for business on both sides of the Channel if they fail. If this is looking likely, more communication is needed to help firms prepare.

“We urge both the UK and the EU in the strongest possible terms to put trade continuity more squarely in their sights. Institutional battles may be necessary but coronavirus should make us all more mindful of the need to support trade as part of our collective economic recovery.”