Companies from the UK aerospace industry are urging MPs to approve the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated between the UK Government and the European Union (EU), as Parliament restarts debates over it.

Aerospace and defence trade association ADS and member companies, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce, have invited MPs to meet them in Parliament to discuss industry’s support for the Withdrawal Agreement.

With little time remaining before the UK leaves the European Union on 29 March, the sector is looking to politicians to deliver certainty over arrangements after Brexit.

The Withdrawal Agreement would confirm a transition period, which ADS says would give businesses breathing space, and give the Government time to agree a comprehensive deal for the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

Time running out?

ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “With very little time now remaining before the UK leaves the EU, continued uncertainty is damaging to business investment and is forcing companies to implement costly contingency plans.

“It is in the best interests of the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries for the Withdrawal Agreement to be endorsed by Parliament.

“Further delay increases the risk of a no deal Brexit. This would be the worst possible outcome and would bring significant disruption to industry in the UK and Europe, damaging jobs and growth.

“We hope MPs now take the earliest opportunity to approve the Withdrawal Agreement, confirming a transition period and allowing talks on our future relationship with the EU to progress.”

The “meaningful vote” on the Withdrawal Agreement will take place on Tuesday January 15.

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