The Unite general union has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to “stop playing politics with people’s jobs and lives” and to recognise the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the UK’s manufacturing industries.
Responding to Johnson’s statement last month that the country should “get ready “ for the prospect of no trade deal with the EU, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey quite rightly warned that no deal will be a disaster for an economy already suffering deep harm due to the COVID-19 crisis.
“The EU is our largest trading partner. The future success of many of our industries depends on getting our new relationship right,” he said.
He warned that as the clock ticks down to December 31 when the UK is due to leave the EU, a deal on decent terms will not be forthcoming unless the government recognises the impact of a no deal on manufacturing industries.
“Our automotive industry, just one example, relies on 1,100 HGV delivering parts from Europe every day for it to function,” he emphasised.
McCluskey said that without customs arrangements “there will be chaos and delays on our borders and those parts simply won’t get through in time.”
He added that from car and pharmaceutical production to food processing and warehouse distribution “working people need a deal that keeps our country moving and our shops filled. An Australian-style deal is not that deal.”
Rodney Sadd
Union delegate for The South Holland & The Deepings CLP
