Business leaders join Cable in Brexit warning
Ahead of Philip Hammond’s Spring Statement, business leaders have signed a joint statement with Leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable warning that the UK faces more uncertainty if Brexit proceeds.
Twenty business people, from a range of backgrounds, agree “Any investment which is ‘pent up’ will remain so if Brexit proceeds, during a period of protracted and acrimonious further negotiation.
“The Chancellor is labouring in an absurd delusion by suggesting the economy will receive any Brexit Boost. Instead, there will be a heavy price to pay for business and for citizens.
“The Government’s Withdrawal Agreement leaves a panoply of crucial questions about the future trading relationship of the EU unanswered.
“The certainty which businesses crave can only be secured by a People’s Vote and a decision to stay in the European Union, as a leading player setting the rules rather than merely following them.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable added:
"It is quite clear that business isn’t fooled by the idea that ‘getting on’ with Brexit would provide certainty.
“The only really certain outcome would be to give the public a choice between the friendless Withdrawal Agreement and remaining in the EU.
“Overwhelmingly – whether in public or in private – business would prefer to stay as a full members of the EU. If the public chooses to do so in a People’s Vote, there would be a significant economic boost.
“Contrary to all the government tries to allege, Brexit with a deal or without will cause the economy to contract. Brexit means a poorer country, and a less welcoming home for business investment.”
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Notes editors:
The business leaders come from a range of backgrounds. They are:
- Charlotta Campanale – Impact Investment Consultants
- Adam Knight – Social and Sustainable Capital
- Tony Harris - Angel Investor
- Richard Duncalf - Hervia
- Prof Michael Luger
- Richard Pym CBE - Chair Allied Irish Banks
- Sarah Ryan - Tech entrepreneur
- Martin Rimmer – Business Investor and entrepreneur
- Mark Pettersen – Warwick Energy
- Chris Bones – Good Growth
- Stephen Dawson - Personal capacity only
- Patrick Foster - Entrepreneur
- Richard Steer, Chairman Gleeds
- Philip Maskell, Director Stoneofoy
- Leslie Hurst, Chair Oxford Medical Simulation
- Timothy Cowen, Partner Preiskel and Co
- Tilly McAuliffe, Owner, Think Publishing
- Wyn Evans, MD Forty Shillings
- Simon Curtis, Maritime Lawyer
- Andrew Dixon – Arc Intercapital
