WSTA: No deal Brexit would be ‘unacceptable’

The chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association used his key note address at this year’s WSTA Annual Conference to highlight his frustration at the progress made over Brexit, stating that a ‘no deal’ would be unacceptable.

WSTA chief executive Miles Beale

Calling Brexit “by far the most significant short-term challenge” facing the sector at their Annual Conference this week, Beale said he had been “underwhelmed” by the progress made, accusing the government of sidestepping questions about the risks to industry.

“The WSTA has long been holding seminars and meeting members to talk through what the consequences of a ‘no deal’ scenario might look like and what companies should be doing to mitigate the risks associated with a hard Brexit,” he said. “I have to say we are underwhelmed with what we have seen from Government. Information is too basic and ducks most of the questions we have been asking.”

“A deal on the Withdrawal Agreement is neither far off nor is it far-fetched. WSTA believes firmly that a ‘no deal’ Brexit would not be acceptable. Glib political statements about the UK being able to thrive under WTO terms are just that – glib. They fail to take into account the damage that the inevitable short-term disruption at our borders. And there will be disruption because whatever the Government has said about UK controls – they have no say in the controls on goods, vehicles and people leaving the EU for the UK or entering the EU from the UK. So that’s why it’s essential that the Government secures a negotiated withdrawal.”

Other keynote speakers included one of London’s best-known economists, Roger Bootle, who went head to head with former German Ambassador to the UK, Thomas Matussek, to discuss the impact of Brexit.

Matussek shared his believe that Britain being part of the EU brings “more muscle to the table”, adding that he was in favour of a second referendum and admitted he hopes the UK will be back. He added that “Britain is family” and that he believe the UK “would be welcomed back with open arms”.

Bootle meanwhile described the Chequers agreement as “an appalling set of proposals” and blamed “personal political ambitions” for clouding the debate about economics and trade. He said he didn’t think the EU was “likely to survive”, citing Italy, Poland, Hungary and even France as posing “huge problems” for the EU in the future.

Keynote speakers were followed up by a panel discussion called “Evolution of The Buyer”, which included Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Caffeine Partnership; Jerry Perkins, CEO of Wasted Talent Ltd; Sam Bompas, co-founder of Bompas & Parr; and Ounal Bailey, co-founder of Wisehead Productions.

The debate saw the panel discuss how brands can better engage with consumers, covering topics like how to use social media and innovation.