Next boss ‘pleased’ by PM’s preparation

The worst outcome of a no-deal Brexit will be “mild disruption” given the preparations being made by Boris Johnson’s government, a retail boss has claimed.

Next chief executive Lord Wolfson of Aspley Guise said he will be “much less frightened” of the UK leaving the EU without a deal if the government is well prepared – and he has “every indication” they are now taking it seriously.

He was also sharply critical of the no-deal planning by Theresa May’s administration.

The Conservative peer said the required level of confidence, energy and vigour “certainly wasn’t” in Mrs May’s government.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I’m very pleased to see that vigour has now come to government and we are properly preparing for all eventualities.”

Lord Wolfson added of Mrs May’s time in office: “I think there was almost a wilful attempt to not prepare in government and mainly out of the fear that they were so scared of no-deal, they wouldn’t allow anyone to admit it could happen.”

He said he believes the current government is in the process of identifying and solving the problems.

Lord Wolfson added: “I think if businesses and the government prepare well for no-deal then I think the worst outcome will be mild disruption, but the best outcome is we will actually get a better deal – one that is acceptable to Parliament.”

He said the UK has to be “prepared to walk away” to secure the best deal, noting: “The reality is very few deals get done long before the deadline and people will negotiate right up to the wire.”

Picture: Getty. Next’s chief Lord Wolfson.