FIRMS are running out of patience over the lack of progress in the Brexit talks.

That’s the warning we have issued to PM Theresa May.

Companies still face uncertainty over tax, tariffs, customs and regulation, with time running out ahead of the the March 29 2019 Brexit date.

Over the past two years, businesses have been patient.

We have supported the Government’s drive to seek the best possible deal for the UK economy.

We have given time, expertise and real-world experience to support hard-pressed Civil Service negotiators.

We have convened all across the UK to ensure that every business community’s Brexit concerns can be heard by elected representatives and officials.

Now, with the time running out ahead of the UK’s exit from the EU, business patience is reaching breaking point.

Businesses have every right to speak out when it is abundantly clear that the practical questions affecting the competitiveness of their firms and the livelihoods of millions of people remain unanswered.

With less than nine months go to until Brexit day, we are little closer to the answers businesses need than we were the day after the referendum.

It’s time for politicians to stop the squabbling and the Westminster point-scoring - and start putting the national economic interest first.

Adam Marshall is director general of the British Chambers of Commerce