Brexit Debate - Clarifying the Facts
Three days ahead of the UK’s momentous decision on its future in Europe, BITA staged its own EU referendum debate on Monday 20 June. The event, ‘Focus on the Facts’, was designed to shed cold light on the vote’s implications for businesses and jobs against the backdrop of heated and fractious political campaigning.
And it succeeded in clarifying the issues for the undecided – judging by votes ‘before’ and ‘after’ the event.
Co-organised with the Family Business Place, which supports family-run companies in the UK, the gathering was hosted by leading law firm DWF on the 31st floor of London’s landmark ‘Walkie Talkie’ building, 20 Fenchurch Street.
Members and guests heard a panel of speakers, including prominent BITA members, set out their contrasting personal views on the consequences for businesses of the impending vote. The entrepreneurs and business leaders also fielded questions from the audience.
On arrival, attendees and speakers had indicated their voting intentions ahead of Thursday’s vote. The results showed that more than half (51.5%) favoured Remain, while a third (33%) intended to vote Leave, with the remainder (14.5%) undecided.
They left with their minds made up – as BITA’s ‘exit poll’ showed 60% in favour of staying within the EU and 40% intent on Brexit.
People deserved to hear an informed and balanced account of the implications of leaving the EU, said BITA president Paul Whitnell. He called on the UK “to stand together as strong partners” with Ireland within Europe. But whatever the referendum outcome, BITA would continue its work to develop new business opportunities across the Irish Sea, he added.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Jo Cox, the West Yorkshire MP murdered in her constituency. This followed an impassioned tribute from maritime lawyer Michael Kingston, who praised Mrs Cox’s lobbying – along with the International Chamber of Shipping – for a humanitarian zone in the Mediterranean to safeguard the lives and human rights of refugees and migrants.
BITA wishes to thank DWF, Family Business Place and the panel for making this informative and thought-provoking event such a success.
The panel comprised: serial retail entrepreneur Richard Ross; prominent BITA members Matt Barker, MD of CSB Logistics, and James Halligan, owner of several businesses including British Hovercraft Company; DWF LLP partner Michael Kingston; Rebecca Burn-Callander - Enterprise Editor at the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, and BITA president Paul Whitnell.
Anita Brightley-Hodges, MD of Family Business Place, compèred proceedings.