I’m a Leaver, but let’s go more slowly, says tycoon

ONE of Britain’s leading retail bosses has called for a gentler, more reasoned approach towards Brexit.

Lord Wolfson, pictured, the chief executive of Next and a passionate Leave supporter, used a driving analogy as he told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Think of a coach hurtling down the motorway. Fifty-two passengers wanted to make the journey, the other 48 didn’t.

‘A couple of the 52 are screaming at the driver to go faster. A handful of the 48 are shouting at her to turn back. The more pedal-to-the-metal merchants urge the driver to step on the gas, the more panicked the reverse-gear gang become.

‘Their panic simply spurs on the speed demons to exhort her to accelerate even more which in turn – well, you get the picture.

‘The vast majority of us – both Leavers and Remainers – accept we are on the road to Brexit. The question is, or should be, how best to get there without a crash. Yet since the referendum, the debate has been dominated by the two extremes.’ He added: ‘The polarisation and irrationality become more entrenched and self-reinforcing. Each extreme encourages the other side’s intransigence.’ However, Lord Wolfson insisted Britain can enjoy a massive boost. He said: ‘The truth is that Britain can make a success of Brexit. Delivered in the right way, an open Brexit could herald an economic renaissance. The uber-pessimists must open their minds to this possibility. Brexit can be a success or a failure – and the approach we take will make the difference. ‘Let’s slow down and make sure we get there safely.’