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Theresa May is hoping to win the support of business leaders for her Brexit plan.
Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) annual conference on Monday, the prime minister addressed business leaders as Conservative party members threaten a leadership change.
“We now have an intense week of negotiations ahead of us in the run-up to the special European Council on Sunday,” she said.
“During that time I expect us to hammer out the full and final details of the framework that will underpin our future relationship, and I am confident that we can strike a deal at the Council that I can take back to the House of Commons.”
May is facing a turbulent time in Parliament as various party members have resigned over the prime minister’s deal that was revealed on Wednesday.
Resigning on Friday was Dominic Raab, the Brexit Secretary, who was replaced by Stephen Barclay.
May used her speech on Monday to defend her proposed deal, which has been criticised by both members of her own and opposing parties. “Don’t just listen to the politicians, listen to what business is saying, listen to what business that is providing your jobs, and ensuring that you have that income that puts food on the table for your family, is saying,” she said.
“And business is saying we want a good deal with the EU,” she added.
Jeremy Corbyn described the deal as “a botched, worst-of-all-worlds deal,” at the CBI conference on Monday.
Speaking BC Radio 4’s Today programme, Clark said that the transition period could continue until the end of 2022, giving the UK two more years to negotiate a relationship.
“The point is that if we have the option we don’t have to use it. Our strong preference is clearly to complete the negotiations,” he said on Monday.
When May was asked about the extension of the UK’s transition period, she said: “From my point of view, I think it is important in delivering for the British people that we are out of the implementation period before the next general election.”