Britain’s manufacturers are urging the leaders of the main political parties to move on from blame-driven politics and demonstrate to the electorate that they have real vision and ambition for the UK economy in the next parliament.

In ‘Backing Manufacturers, the Makers Manifesto’, Make UK (the manufacturers’ organisation) says the overriding priority for the next Government must be to come to an agreement with the EU — one that delivers the four key tests of: frictionless trade, regulatory alignment, access to labour, and a lengthy transition period that allows businesses time to adapt to change.

Make UK chief executive Stephen Phipson said (www.makeuk.org): “The first and foremost priority for the next Government must be an agreement with the EU that removes ‘no deal’ and ensures four key outcomes to safeguard the future prospects for manufacturers.

"Beyond that, what the public and business want to see is not the blame-driven politics we have witnessed in the last few years but a grown-up vision of where we are going as a country and an economy.

“They want to see pledges that will support the creation of the skilled jobs we need, equip their children with the education and skills for the future and anchor value-creating businesses in the UK.

"In short, they want to hear what the big picture is for very critical issues in a world that is facing rapid technological and social change . . . We need to move on quickly and ensure Government works with industry to deliver a better-balanced economy and sustained growth. Manufacturing will be central to delivering this and addressing the major societal and technological challenges we face.”

As well as tackling the priority of a future trading relationship with the EU, Make UK has published a top-15 priority list for the first year of an incoming government.

The list sets out the core foundations for boosting investment, supporting growing businesses, improving skills and ensuring that the UK remains an attractive place to do business.