British business, union leaders urge PM to find Plan B over Brexit

LONDON, March 21 (Xinhua) -- British Business group and union body jointly warned Thursday the Country were facing a national emergency, urging British Prime Minister Theresa May to change approach over Brexit.

Writing a joint letter to the prime minister, Frances O'Grady, general secretary of Trades Union Congress (TUC), and Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said:"Our Country is facing a national emergency. Decisions of recent days have caused the risk of no deal to soar."

Together representing millions of workers and tens of thousands of Businesses, the two said:" Firms and communities across the UK are not ready for this outcome. The shock to our economy would be felt by generations to come."

They called on May to take three steps to tackle current scenario.

"First, avoiding no deal is paramount, "the letter said, "Businesses and employees alike need to see their Government clearly acknowledge the reckless damage no deal would cause and recommit itself to avoiding this outcome."

"Second, securing an extension has become essential," the letter noted that "88 percent of CBI members and a majority in Parliament agree this is better than no deal."

"An extension must genuinely allow a way forwards, and be long enough for a deal to be agreed," it added.

"Third,'the current deal or no deal' must not be the only choice. A Plan B must be found," stated the letter, and added "A new approach is needed to secure this -- whether through indicative votes or another mechanism for compromise. "

In the end of letter, the two heads requested an urgent meeting with May to "discuss our concerns and hear your response."

Joshua Hardie, deputy director general at CBI, said in twitter that:"When employers and employees speak out together, it's worth listening."