Business chiefs say the latest blow to agreeing the terms of our departure from the UK is generating "growing anger" among firms.

Following the heavy defeat dished out to Theresa May's withdrawal agreement dished out on Tuesday night in the House of Commons, the CEO of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce says it is only extending the agony for businesses.

The world of commerce had long pleaded for some clear direction on what will happen when we leave the EU in order for it to plan accordingly.

It is particularly opposed to a 'no deal' Brexit which it fears is becoming an increasing possibility.

Jo James said: "Businesses across the county are no clearer on the way forward.

"There are no more words to describe the frustration, impatience, and growing anger amongst business after two and a half years on a high-stakes political rollercoaster ride that shows no sign of stopping.

"Basic questions on real-world operational issues remain unanswered, and firms now find themselves facing the unwelcome prospect of a messy and disorderly exit from the EU on March 29.

“The overriding priority for both government and Parliament must now be to avoid the clear danger that a ‘no deal’ exit on March 29 would pose to businesses and communities across the UK.

"Every second that ticks by sees more businesses spending money on unwanted changes, activating contingency plans or battening down the hatches and halting investment, as they try to anticipate a future that is no clearer now than it was at the time of the referendum result.

After two and a half years on a high-stakes political rollercoaster ride that shows no sign of stopping

“Businesses will take a dim view of more shuttle diplomacy and last-minute bargaining, which have so far done nothing to end the political impasse. The government must now urgently set out in concrete terms what it will do to avoid the damage that a messy and disorderly exit on March 29 would cause to businesses, communities, and the UK economy.”