European manufacturers join lobby against no-deal Brexit  

All EU 27 member heads of state and chief negotiator Michel Barnier received an open letter signed jointly by Make UK and Ceemet warning of the risk of economic shocks if negotiators fail to agree a deal that works for business.

Ceemet director general Uwe Combüchen declared: “EU and UK governments have a responsibility to ensure minimal disruption for businesses, for employers and employees. That is why companies across Europe want to see no deal taken off the table and politicians on both sides to facilitate a deal which all sides can agree to.

“The unintended consequences and economic collateral damage arising from a failure to agree an orderly exit do not bear thinking about.” 

British manufacturers body Make UK is one of 21 national organisations affiliated to Ceemet, including a total of 19 based within the EU.

Ceemet itself covers the metal, engineering and technology-based industry employers in Europe. Itsember organisations represent 200,000 companies in Europe, providing over 17 million direct and 35 million indirect jobs.

The unintended consequences and economic collateral damage arising from a failure to agree an orderly exit do not bear thinking about

Uwe Combüchen, director general, Ceemet

Co-signatory Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK said: “It is unthinkable that we are just two days away from the deadline where the UK could crash out of the EU without a deal in place. How our Government could have let this happen is beyond belief.

“For the last two years manufacturers have called for clarity. A no deal will decimate manufacturing in both the EU and the UK. There will be no winners unless a deal is found. If that proves impossible then we have already made clear we think the Government must act decisively to pause the process and revoke Article 50 so we can reflect on the best solution.”