THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has responded positively to the 'breathing space' created by the Brexit extension.

President of the Association Tim Breitmeyer said: “Whilst not welcomed by all, this extension of the Brexit process to 31 October will avoid an abrupt ‘no deal’ and its negative consequences for farming and the rural economy.

"In a political debate which has become more and more heated and polarised, this provides some welcome breathing space to unite around the best way forward.

“While the continued uncertainty is unsettling, this should be balanced against having enough time to nurture a post-Brexit relationship with the EU which delivers as free and frictionless trade as possible. This has to be the ultimate goal.

“The extra time needs to be used wisely. We need a more consensual approach to negotiations in both Westminster and Brussels than has been the case to date, so a deal can be collectively delivered which meets the needs of farming and the wider economy”.