Food & drink must stand shoulder to shoulder with its EU workers now

It still doesn’t feel real.

The UK has voted for Brexit and everything has changed: a Prime Minister has resigned, the UK’s two major parties are in turmoil, the markets have taken a beating and deep uncertainty hangs over the country’s future relationship with Europe.

The events of the past four days will take many months – if not years – to sink in and play out.

But there is something the food & drink industry can do right now. It can stand up for the non-Brits who currently work in its stores, factories and on UK farms. It can talk about how valued these people are, and the important contribution they make.

As an EU migrant myself, I can tell you there is no question the mood in this post-Brexit land feels rather less welcoming than it did before last week’s vote.

Of course, not everyone voting for Brexit did so for chauvinistic reasons. And, of course, not everyone who voted because of concerns over immigration is a xenophobe.

But some of the rhetoric used during the campaign has been hugely damaging and divisive, and mounting reports of post-Brexit attacks on EU citizens will be deeply worrying to any foreigners (from the EU or otherwise) living and working in the UK.

I say this as someone who’s been settled here for nearly 16 years and lives in decidedly pro-Remain London. I can’t imagine how the many thousands of migrants who work in less EU-friendly parts of the country must now feel.

So my message to UK food & drink is simple: some of you were hesitant about speaking out ahead of the referendum, for understandable reasons, but I implore you to be brave and outspoken now.

Regardless of how you voted and where you stand in the Brexit debate, do not allow your colleagues, staff and workers to be abused by a small but vocal and frightening minority. Stand united with the people who work hard for you and for this country. Be proud of the contribution they make. Let everyone in the UK (and beyond) know how much you value them.

Talk can be cheap – but clear words right now are priceless.

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