Business leaders have given a last minute warning to MPs about the impact of a no-deal Brexit, saying the future of hundreds of thousands of jobs is in their hands.
Industry groups have been calling for clarity over the UK leaving the EU, making it clear that the years of uncertainty have already affected investment plans.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "As MPs prepare to vote on the government's Brexit deal, we urge them to remember they hold the future of the British automotive industry - and the hundreds and thousands of jobs it supports - in their hands.
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"Brexit is already causing us damage, in output, costs and jobs, but this does not compare with the catastrophic consequences of being cut adrift from our biggest trading partner overnight.
"The just-in-time nature of automotive means the impact of 'no deal' will be felt, not in months or weeks, but hours.
"A managed 'no deal' is a fantasy - we would face immediate delivery shortages, disruption, additional costs and uncertainty.
"Both government and parliament have a responsibility to take 'no deal' off the table or risk destroying this vital UK industry."
Colin Stanbridge, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive, said: "It is staggering that we are now weeks away from leaving the EU and businesses still don't know the terms of that departure and what preparations they require.
"We simply should not be at this point this late in the day.
"Our most recent survey of over 500 London businesses showed all business confidence and economic indicators falling, some to their lowest recorded levels.
"Businesses in the capital are seeing measurable damage from this uncertainty. Parliament must provide clarity on the terms of our exit from the EU."
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Michael Izza, chief executive of the chartered accountants group ICAEW, said uncertainty around Brexit continues to have an impact on business.
"This is the busiest time of year for companies in terms of financial reporting and planning for the year ahead.
"As March 29 looms large, contingency planning is no longer a theoretical exercise. Businesses can't kick the can down the road.
"They have to make decisions now about jobs, stock levels and supply chains, incurring significant, and possibly unnecessary, cost.
"We need our parliamentarians to listen to the real concerns of business and find a way forward that avoids a disorderly exit from the EU and provides some much needed clarity."
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