EU welcomes certainty after clear UK general election result

The EU reacted with relief after the Conservative party won a clear victory in the UK general election. Brussels hopes Boris Johnson’s clear majority gained in the UK Parliament will pave the way for much sought-after Brexit clarity. Both sides can now focus their attention on discussions about trade negotiations and other future relationship talks after the UK is expected to leave the bloc on January 31.

“France’s position for months has been a request for clarity . . . that it was necessary to reduce the period of uncertainty for French citizens, for Europeans, for the British,​” Amélie de Montchalin, France’s Europe minister, said on Thursday night. “This clarification appears to have arrived.” ​

The UK Food Drink Federation's Chief Operating Officer, Tim Rycroft, said: “For too long, business has been mired in a sea of political uncertainty, hitting investment, productivity and long-term growth.​

“As the UK's largest manufacturing sector, food and drink is part of the UK's critical national infrastructure and essential to national security. The nation's £31.1 billion industry employs over 450,000 people with a footprint in every community.​

“We want to work in partnership with the Government to reach our full potential as the most dynamic, sustainable, resilient and competitive industry, by boosting exports, developing talent and encouraging innovation.”​

Pic: GettyImages/Dan Kitwood