‘It’s not a good deal’: Internal emails reveal CBI doubts over Brexit deal it has publicly backed

Bosses at one of Britain's biggest business groups have been left red-faced tonight after emails accidentally sent to a broadcaster revealed doubts within the organisation over Theresa May's Brexit deal.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) publicly backed the political declaration on UK and EU's future relationship, praising negotiators on both sides and calling it a “much-needed” agreement.

But emails inadvertently sent to ITV News highlighted differences of opinion among the organisation's leaders when putting together the response.

Head of EU negotiations, Nicola Sykes, said there was “no need to give credit to the negotiators… because it's not a good deal.,” according to ITN.

The broadcaster said CBI head of news Chris Grummett then used quotation marks around the word 'want' in his response, saying he “left the credit in given we 'want' this to go through”.

In response CBI deputy director general Joshua Hardie said: “Responding to significant announcements inevitably involves a step-by-step process, testing different viewpoints before arriving at a final, public statement.

“The CBI and our members have been clear. The deal’s not perfect, it involves compromise, hard work lies ahead but right now it is the best chance of protecting jobs and growth.”

The 26-page declaration on the UK and EU’s future trading arrangement was released following late Wednesday night talks between negotiators in Brussels, committing both sides to an “ambitious, broad, deep and flexible partnership”.

The pound has risen 0.8 per cent to $1.288 since the agreement was announced earlier today.

The declaration, along with the legally-binding 585-page withdrawal agreement, is expected to be signed off by the EU in Brussels on Sunday but stills need to be approved by Parliament.