Next boss plays down impact of ‘mild disruption’ from no-deal
The worst outcome of a nodeal 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 under the new Prime Minister.
He was also sharply critical of the no-deal planning by Theresa may’ s administration, insisting there was “almost a wilful attempt” to not prepare as they did not want to admit it could happen.
The Conservative peer, a prominent Leave campaigner, 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 that vigour has now come to government and we are properly preparing for all eventualities.”
Lord Wolfson said 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 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.