DORSET Chamber has voiced the “incredible frustrations and concerns” of business over the logjam which leaves the country no clearer about Brexit.

The organisation has stepped up the support available to businesses ahead of October 31, Britain’s scheduled departure date from the European Union.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, wrote to update members “in the light of the unprecedented events and political uncertainty taking place in Westminster”.

His message came after opposition MPs took control of the parliamentary timetable and passed a bill that will require Boris Johnson to seek another extension to Brexit if he cannot negotiate a withdrawal deal by the end of next month.

Mr Girling said: “As a non-partisan organisation, in the approach to the referendum, we, as most chambers did, took a neutral political position. Since the referendum, and throughout the Brexit negotiations, we have strongly campaigned for the need for clarity and assurance for business.

“We share the incredible frustrations and concerns of our members regarding the impasse we have reached and the failure of parliament to reach a deal more than three years after the referendum.

“As one of 53 chambers accredited with the British Chambers of Commerce, as well as lobbying at a local level, we have campaigned at the highest levels in Westminster and Whitehall.

“Nationally, the British Chambers of Commerce have had regular lobbying meetings with senior ministers, including the prime minister, and have also worked with other leading business organisations in putting the business voice forward.”

Locally, the chamber had held two conferences on the issue and had undertaken regular business surveys, as well as writing to the prime minister and MPs.

In August, Mr Girling wrote to Boris Johnson to congratulate him on becoming prime minister and urged him “to do all you can to ensure that the UK leaves with a del and the needs of UK business are positioned as an absolute priority”.

He said many businesses had great concerns and had found it difficult to prepare for Britain’s departure from the EU with “so little clarity on so many issues”.

The chamber has published several guidance documents which can be found at dorsetchamber.co.uk. It is also delivering several workshops on international trade and Brexit and says it is keen to hear the views of members, which can be fed to local MPs and to government via the British Chambers of Commerce. Mr Girling can be contacted at international@dcci.co.uk