Britain cannot tell businesses for certain what its relationship with the European Union will be after Brexit, Business Minister Greg Clark said Wednesday, as ministers met to discuss the government's approach.

Businesses want more clarity from the government over what Britain's trade and customs arrangements with the European Union will look like after it leaves the bloc in 2019 so they can take investment decisions with some certainty.

Britain has agreed in principle with the EU to have a status quo transition period, which is expected to be finalized in March.

Many businesses fear Britain could face a disorderly Brexit that would weaken the West, disrupt the peace in Northern Ireland, imperil Britain's $2.7 trillion economy and undermine London's position as the only financial center to rival New York.

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