LABOUR and Conservative party figures gave their verdict on the 50-day Brexit countdown.

Businesses across the board have warned of the serious impact a no-deal Brexit will have on them - with only 50 days to go some are already putting measures in place to avoid what they see as the worst possible outcome. 

Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, said: “Parliament has rightly agreed a pragmatic, sensible and orderly way to deliver Brexit. supported by both the majority of MPs as well as business, including Honda, BMW, and WHSmith.

“The emphasis is now on the EU to respect this in the negotiations.”

He added: “The democratic will of both Swindon and the UK was clear and we are expecting to deliver Brexit. We are committed to delivering a pragmatic, sensible, and orderly deal. It is in the EU’s interests to work with us to deliver this, as no deal will right focus their minds in the negotiations.”

Sarah Church, the Labour parliamentary candidate for South Swindon, expressed dismay at the impact of Brexit on businesses.

“The uncertainty caused by the bungling of Brexit by the government makes problems in the marketplace far worse,” she said.

“While the threat of a chaotic no-deal Brexit in just seven weeks remains, there is even less certainty for our large employers who are making decisions about the value of manufacturing in the UK. This government is letting working people down.”

Responding to the news from Honda she added: “The news from Honda that they will not be renewing about 200 fixed term contracts and letting 150 agency staff go in March is not good news for Swindon. Uncertainty and falling demand in the marketplace are having a direct impact here.

“While Honda keep people on insecure contracts, they have the flexibility to cut numbers, but the impact of these job losses could be up to 500 more job losses in the wider supply chain. There is genuine worry amongst those affected about their future ability to find work.”