MIA warns about Brexit policy’s motorsport impact

The British government has been urged to help keep the country’s motorsport industry as the ‘best in the world’ by ensuring there is a business-friendly post-brexit immigration policy.

The influential Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) has joined more than 30 business groups plus its largest business lobbies in sending a letter to home secretary Priti Patel offering help in coming up with policies that work for the country’s industries.

With many ‘Motorsport Valley’ companies heavily reliant on freedom of movement to employ highly-skilled staff from Europe who are attracted to Britain, the fears are that strict immigration restrictions could become a deterrent for the best talent.

In a tweet linking to the letter from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the MIA said: “To maintain Motorsport Valley’s position as ‘best in the world’, we need government policies which allow us to attract and retain the best, talented and productive people from anywhere in the world.”

The letter from the CBI states: “Business understands that the immigration system must change in order to rebuild public confidence.

“Insight from enterprise can help build a points-based model that provides greater control, whilst providing access to the labour and skills needed to support the economy.

“And this can go hand in hand with a continued determination to invest in training homegrown talent.”