Brexit: Black Tuesday

For 202, Against 432. The outcome of the House of Commons vote is a slap in the face for Mrs May and her government. Extremely bitter not only for the UK but also the European Union that will be weakened by the decision.

The politician’s vote increases the risk of a disorderly Brexit without an agreement on 29 March, which could have serious repercussions on the economy. In first statements, leading logistics firms and executives of the aviation industry reacted with consternation and incomprehension of what had happened last evening in London, producing nothing but further chaos.

K+N is shocked, as are others
Kuehne + Nagel’s CEO Detlef Trefzger spoke of a worst-case scenario resulting from the decision. “A disorderly Brexit is the worst solution. It will impose massive restrictions on the exchange of goods between the European Union and the United Kingdom. We appeal to the responsible bodies in London and Brussels to do the utmost to prevent this scenario. As far as we are concerned, we are focussed on ensuring the constant flow of goods for our customers,” he assured. In a release the Switzerland-based company emphasized that “in order to cope with the effects of a disorderly Brexit, Kuehne + Nagel has taken steps to review all options to secure capacity on trade routes with Europe outside of the Kent corridor both by sea and air.” Moreover, the company has commenced recruitment of additional customs clerks.

Airbus jobs at stake
Likewise, Airbus Chief Tom Enders warned of the consequences of a no Brexit deal for the European plane maker, which became even more realistic after last night’s vote of the UK parliament. He pointed out that every single wing mounted on any Airbus aircraft is produced in Broughton, Wales where 6,000-plus Airbus staff are working. These jobs are endangered should supply chains and the seamless flow of goods be torpedoed as result of political decisions in the UK. His colleague and successor Guillaume Faury added to this that a “hard Brexit means that we are unable to get parts and components across the Channel due to high customs hurdles and a collapse of transport links.”
Both Airbus executives didn’t exclude that this might have severe effects on the company’s production facilities and their suppliers in the UK. In total, 14,000 people are working for the European plane maker on the British Isles.