21 January 2019

Brexit : comments on UK Prime Minister May’s statement

European Tech & Industry employers notes the statement from the UK Prime Minister Theresa May today on her way forward for Brexit.

As has been the Ceemet position since 2016, industry needs certainty and the absence of that certainty continues to threaten investments across the EU and competitiveness internationally.

Ceemet calls on all negotiators to look at a possible deal that can satisfy all parties, however we must be clear, no-deal is not an option. All actors must commit to avoiding a hard Brexit on the 29th March 2019 by default.

Ceemet Director General Uwe Combüchen stated, “Time is again of the essence, and after years of negotiations the clock has nearly struck midnight.”

A no-deal, cliff edge scenario, would be disastrous for manufacturing companies across Europe whose business models have been built up around integrated supply chains, free and frictionless trade, and a single regulatory environment. As it is described in the #10PointPlan.

“It is in this light that Ceemet calls for an extension of the Article 50 process for an adequate duration in order to negotiate a deal which would avoid a hard Brexit and deliver for industry.

“European industry on both sides of the channel deserves better, the time for action is now.”