CBI and TUC unite again to demand Brexit 'Plan B'

Theresa May is facing demands to change course over Brexit from the CBI and TUC as she pleads for a Brexit delay in Brussels.

The business lobby group and union organisation, which first united in 2017 over the Brexit implications for citizens' rights, joined forces again on Thursday in a letter to the prime minister.

Their respective leaders - Carolyn Fairbairn at the CBI and the TUC's Frances O'Grady - wrote that while the need for an extension beyond the current deadline of 29 March for a deal had become "essential", it was "paramount" for the country that a no-deal scenario was avoided.

Crucially, the letter called for a "Plan B".

It said that the "current deal or no-deal" approach must not be the only choice.

"A Plan B must be found - one that protects workers, the economy and an open Irish border, commands a parliamentary majority, and is negotiable with the EU," the letter said.

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"A new approach is needed to secure this - whether through indicative votes or another mechanism for compromise.

"We cannot overstate the gravity of this crisis for firms and working people.

"We request an urgent meeting with you to discuss our concerns and hear your response."

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The list of demands marks a particular shift in tone for the CBI as it had said it could live with the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement agreed between Mrs May and the European Commission.

However, that deal has been voted down by MPs twice and there is currently no sign that its opponents in the Commons will shift their positions in the numbers needed to get it passed next week.

The prime minister is using the EU Summit in Brussels today to make her case for an extension of Article 50 - due to expire on 29 March - to 30 June.

Major business groups have been vocal in their growing frustration about the drawn-out process but all say a delay is preferable to a no-deal outcome.

The Bank of England said on Thursday that its most recent survey of businesses had found 80% were as ready as they could be for the UK's departure from the EU.

That was up from 50% when it last reported progress in January.