British politicians must get their act together and form a functioning government to protect the economy, business lobby group the CBI said on Friday after Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives failed to win a majority in parliament.
With 645 out of 650 seats declared following Thursday's vote, the Conservatives had won 314 seats and were therefore no longer able to reach the 326-mark they would need to command a parliamentary majority. Labour had won 261 seats
"This is a serious moment for the UK economy. The priority must be for politicians to get their house in order and form a functioning government, reassure the markets and protect our resilient economy," CBI Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn said in a statement.
"For the next government, the need and opportunity to deliver an open, competitive and fair post-Brexit economy that works for everyone across all our nations and regions has never been more important."
British luxury carmaker Aston Martin called on politicians to quickly provide rapid reassurances to business so they can continue to invest after a snap election gave no political party an overall majority in parliament.
"We cannot stress strongly enough the need for rapid and decisive policy direction to ensure that business can continue to invest for the long term growth and ensure the global competitiveness of the British economy," Chief Executive Andy Palmer said in a statement on Friday.
"Clarity over our relationship with Europe must be established quickly together with the wider reassurance to our key trading partners that Britain remains a dynamic and thriving business environment," he said.
