Brexit: British Fashion Council backs plans for second referendum

‘A no-deal Brexit is a scenario that should be avoided at all costs’

(Getty Images for JW Anderson)

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced its support for a second referendum vote on Brexit following the news that Theresa May’s latest proposed deal had been rejected by MPs, marking the largest government defeat in history.

The organisation released a statement on Wednesday ahead of the no-confidence vote tabled by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, which May survived, stressing that a no-deal Brexit “should be avoided at all costs”.

“The ongoing uncertainty and confusion that a no deal creates will have a negative impact on our industry, where investment is already impacted from the uncertainty being faced,” it reads.

“A no deal situation will result in no transition period, and with an industry that is predominantly small-medium enterprises, we would struggle to cope with the trade realities that it would bring.”

The BFC added that in light of the risks and the industry-wide support to remain at the time of the referendum, they are calling for a second vote on Brexit – a cause championed by The Independent’s Final Say campaign – citing it as “the preferred option” to minimise the adverse effects of a no-deal scenario.

“We will continue to work with government and designer businesses to navigate these difficult times and consider all options put forward,” the statement concludes.

Fashion critic Sarah Mower told British Vogue that a no-deal Brexit would lead to “unthinkable repercussions for fashion entrepreneurs”, explaining that it would cause severe shipping delays that could severely impact the success of emerging talents in the industry.

“We are facing a national emergency; the politicians have failed to show they have concern to protect jobs in fashion or any other UK industry,” she added.