THE delay on a parliamentary vote on Brexit is putting people's livelihoods at risk, says Phil Smith the managing director of Business West.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons on delaying Parliament’s ‘meaningful vote’ on the Brexit withdrawal agreement Mr Smith said: “Firms are looking on with utter dismay at the ongoing saga in Westminster, and express concern that politicians are seemingly acting in their own interest, with little regard for the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on the success of UK business and trade.

"Many business leaders will be intensely frustrated by yet another delay in this drawn-out process, which impacts real-world business conditions, not least currency markets.

The chief of Business West, which supports hundreds of small and medium size businesses in Swindon, added: "Businesses are clear that time is rapidly running out. With just over 100 days to go until the 29th of March, many are already enacting contingency plans in the absence of clarity from Westminster. Even basic business planning for next year has become difficult, if not impossible, for many firms and their investors.

“Our research shows that in a ‘no deal’ scenario, many businesses would cut investment and recruitment, or move some of their operations elsewhere. Survey after survey have shown that businesses will be taking decisions that are right for them, but may damage the UK economy."