Food and drink industry leaders have been given their reaction to another Brexit delay, after EU leaders granted an extension until the end of January. Here is how they responded.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive, BRC
“For the third time, the UK has required an extension to avoid a chaotic no-deal Brexit. While we have been clear that a no-deal Brexit would be disruptive for both consumers and retailers, each repeating cycle of parliamentary impasse and extension is costing retailers hundreds of millions that would be better spent improving customer experience and reducing prices.
“The UK cannot teeter on the edge of Brexit indefinitely. Brexit uncertainty continues to take its toll on retail businesses and the three million retail jobs that exist today. This extension does not offer time for complacency and it is essential that parliament commits to resolving Brexit once and for all.”
James Withers, CEO, Scotland Food & Drink
“The EU’s decision to extend the Brexit deadline gives a little breathing space. But the threat of no-deal still hangs over the heads of Scotland’s £15bn food and drink industry. A no-deal exit from the EU would be an act of enormous self-harm and whilst it won’t happen this week, the threat feels as though it is becoming ever-present as we head towards 2020.
“We are now facing the fourth deadline for which businesses have been expected to get ready for Brexit. It is costing time and money. Many businesses are long past the point of Brexit fatigue. Our sector has huge opportunities but is having to invest in a process that seems to have no outcome.”
Carolyn Fairbairn, director general, CBI
“What we hear from members about the Brexit extension is ‘use this delay’. Politicians didn’t use the last one to agree a deal. So use this one to agree a deal. Then we can lift the risk of no-deal and actually start getting back to business as usual.”
No comments yet