SUPPORTING and protecting industry will be critical to ensuring post-Brexit Britain succeeds , a new report says today.

Manufacturers’ body EEF and global law firm Squire Patton Boggs have spelt out manufacturers’ key priorities for the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.

The report shows that only five per cent of people think that loss or damage to the UK manufacturing sector is a price worth paying for leaving the EU.

While acknowledging that the Government faces a difficult balancing act between free trade and controlling the movement of workers, it warns against rushing through a ‘clumsy’ Brexit plan that could do lasting damage to UK manufacturing and the wider economy.

It urges the Government to hold its nerve and deliver a carefully-engineered Brexit that supports investment, ensures business certainty and allows manufacturers to play a full and unfettered role in helping the UK achieve post-EU economic and global trading success.

Key will be for the UK to negotiate a bespoke deal - as opposed to agreeing to an existing off-the-shelf model (such as the Norwegian or Swiss models) – which specifically addresses the UK’s needs and recognises the ‘special relationship’ the UK has with the EU.

The report highlights that 84 per cent of manufacturers export to the EU and calls for continued unrestricted access to the market.

Andy Tuscher, EEF Yorkshire regional director, said: “Rushing through a clumsy Brexit is not in the interests of our sector or the wider UK economy. The Prime Minister is right to hold her nerve and to allow adequate time for the UK’s negotiation strategy to be developed in close consultation with business to ensure the UK’s long-term economic interests are not harmed.

“Manufacturers see great opportunity for jobs, growth and wealth generation from the expansion of global trade outside of the EU. These ambitions tally with those of the Government and the voting public, who want to see post-Brexit Britain exporting and manufacturing more, as well as achieving a better balanced economy.

“At the same time, our report identifies concerns that our sector’s future success and ability to play its full part could be damaged if the UK fails to secure the right deal. “

Mr Tuscher said it was vital that unrestricted access to the single market was maintained along with the ability for firms to hire and post employees across the EU – albeit with more controls in place.