Leaving EU's Digital Single Market 'dangerous and unnecessary' - UKFast CEO

Lawrence Jones suggests Theresa May's decision risks 'losing out on a huge amount of trade across the continent'

UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones has called on Theresa May to provide clarity on an alternative digital deal after the prime minister announced the UK would be leaving the EU's Digital Single Market (DSM).

Jones (pictured) said the decision delivers no obvious benefits, is unnecessary and creates uncertainty, which is a problem both for the technology industry and the wider business community.

"Businesses are built on confidence - confidence in suppliers, in each other and in the economy. Brexit has already caused a huge amount of uncertainty in the economy, so the last thing we need is for confidence to fall in the UK's ability as a digital leader," said Jones.

"It's a worry for the UK that we're leaving the Digital Single Market. We don't need more uncertainty and the DSM is actually a really good system that aligns well with the way the UK does business.

"Theresa May has enough on her plate with so many questions around our trade relationships and the Irish border, so why not just leave this aligned?"

The DSM is currently adopting a package of measures to enable frictionless online trade in services, capital and goods.

"We must remain aligned with the EU on digital trading or risk losing out on a huge amount of trade across the continent, so we need clarity now on how we're going to remain part of this marketplace," continued Jones.

"The DSM helps everyone understand where they are and what the rules are, and there's absolutely no financial gain to be made from leaving. It can only cause disruption, so I'm not entirely sure what the point of this whole move is.

"It adds complexity, uncertainty and barriers to digital business. Nobody voted for Brexit because of our digital policy. We are a world leader in digital policy, in conjunction with the EU."

Jones said that it could put the brakes on businesses looking to invest in the UK and planning to place digital assets here.

"It's a real issue and I'll be working hard to ensure we have clarity quickly."