‘We’d rather watch England take penalties in the World Cup final than see Britain go into the final round of Brexit negotiations so disunified’. Contributor David Jinks, Head of Consumer Research – ParcelHero.
Supporters of a soft Brexit cheered on Theresa May’s victory over Hard Brexiteers; only to see an own goal by Brexit Secretary David Davis followed by an opportunist move by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, potentially reverse an excellent result.
The Head of Consumer Research for the parcel export experts ParcelHero, David Jinks MILT, says: ‘While staying in the Customs Union would have been the best result for exporters apprehensive about new tariffs and red tape sending a parcel between the UK and EU; Theresa May’s compromise deal at Chequers at least proposed a free trade area for industrial goods and a very promising sounding “combined customs territory.”
David continues: ‘But the resignation of Brexit Secretary David Davis, and some opportunist goal hanging by Boris Johnson, has cut exporters’ celebrations short. With the threat of more to follow, it could be game over for Theresa May and Britain’s entire moderate Brexit plans.
The resignations not only potentially weaken Prime Minister Theresa May’s standing within her own party – emboldening Conservative Eurosceptics – but also undermine our negotiating position with the EU still further. Against such a disorganised attack the EU’s defence will certainly feel increasingly confident.’
Explains David: ‘Even before Boris Johnson and David Davis’ resignation, UK exporters have been tightening their line and very cautious about the proposal to avoid customs checks by differentiating between goods coming into the UK and those ultimately bound for the EU. Nonetheless, rather like most of the Cabinet, a compromise on the issue seemed the best deal available.
Davis’ late substitution with Dominic Raab – a hard-line Brexiteer – has clearly failed to calm a team revolt against their manager; and penalties look increasingly more likely for the UK in its Brexit negotiations.’ Concludes David: ‘To be honest, we’re now more confident of football coming home than a great deal for UK exporters and importers concluding our Brexit negotiations.
