Brexit high stakes

Master Cutler’s fears over tariffs

SINCE THE Company of Cutlers was formed in Sheffield in 1624, it has welcomed political leaders at times of prosperity – and strife.

Yet few gatherings could have been as important as last night’s Cutlers Feast when Business Secretary Greg Clark addressed leading industrialists and manufacturers.

Coming hours after the Tory election manifesto was unveiled in Halifax, it was a timely opportunity for a frank discussion about Britain’s exit from the EU.

And two messages from the speech of Richard Edwards, the current Master Cutler, could not be more important after Theresa May linked Britain’s future fortunes to Brexit.

He pointed out in the strongest possible terms that “manufacturing is one of the jewels of the national economy” and it must not be compromised by the imposition of punitive tariffs when Britain leaves the single market. This concern is real.

Equally Mr Edwards, like so many, has little time for Brussels and spoke about how he had been left “irritated by some of the arrogant pronouncements by senior people in the EU”.

Highlighting the importance of a strong Prime Minister who can stand up for Britain, this one exchange encapsulated the magnitude of the issues at stake on June 8 for Sheffield, Yorkshire and Britain.