British Chambers of Commerce urges a rethink of EU ties ahead of Burnham's Brussels summit, blaming Brexit red tape

A survey of more than 1,500 firms by the British Chambers of Commerce found that over a third say customs paperwork and delays must be scrapped before they can grow, with the figure rising to 58% of manufacturers and 56% of exporters. BCC director general Shevaun Haviland said adaptation to Brexit has not removed the costs of "paperwork, delays and needless duplication of bureaucracy." Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due in Brussels on November 20 and wants to lock in deals on food, emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme. The BCC is urging the government to commission detailed comparisons of nine possible models for a future UK-EU relationship.

Burnham has told ministers that beyond the November summit, the period will be used to "explore options" for the long-term relationship.

The BCC report quotes a Shropshire manufacturer: 'Prior to Brexit we were exporting our products to a number of food service companies, but since Brexit we lost all of our exports.'

A separate S&P Global survey found manufacturers are also grappling with longer delivery times caused by port congestion and shipping rerouted around global conflicts.

LBCBusinesses still grappling with Brexit red tape and want change, says BCC The IndependentBusinesses still struggling with red tape 10 years after Brexit, trade organisation says EconoTimesBCC Survey Finds Customs Barriers Complicate UK Firms' EU Growth britishchambersUK - EU Trade Relationship Needs To Change - British Chambers of Commerce The HeraldBusinesses still grappling with Brexit red tape and want change, says BCC Evening StandardBusinesses still grappling with Brexit red tape and want change, says BCC The IndependentBusinesses still grappling with Brexit red tape and want change, says BCC

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