The British Fashion Council (BFC) and the Creative Industries Federation (CIF) have formed a powerful alliance with various business groups to demand a second Brexit referendum from the UK government. Tensions surrounding Brexit have reached a critical point, with British MPs rejecting the negotiated EU exit deal and Prime Minister Theresa May surviving a vote of no-confidence.
The creative industries in the UK are growing more anxious due to the lack of clarity on Brexit and the government’s hesitance to rule out a no-deal exit. The BFC has raised concerns about the detrimental effects a no-deal Brexit could have on the industry, halting investments and exacerbating uncertainty.
Small and medium-sized businesses within the creative sectors could bear the brunt of the negative consequences in a no-deal scenario. These companies might struggle with navigating new regulations and facing increased costs related to imports and exports. Additionally, the BFC is apprehensive about the potential impact on the supply of talent, as the current Brexit uncertainty makes it challenging to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Alan Bishop, the CEO of CIF, has stressed the pressing necessity of a second referendum, with cross-party support. He has emphasized the significance of maintaining the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital, and people for the continued prosperity of the creative industries.
While organizing another referendum may introduce further uncertainty, Bishop believes that a no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for the creative sector. CIF contends that the creative industries play a crucial role in the UK economy, being the fastest-growing sector and employing a substantial portion of the population.
Amidst the ongoing Brexit uncertainties, the BFC, CIF, and other industry groups are united in their efforts to advocate for a second referendum to safeguard the interests of the creative industries in the UK. Given the high stakes involved, the call for a new vote is becoming more urgent to mitigate the potential harm of a no-deal exit.
For more information on this topic, visit the British Fashion Council website and Creative Industries Federation website.
