Ian Wright Says Manufacturers Will Be ‘Mightily Relieved’

The chief executive of the Food & Drink Federation (FDF) has welcomed the decision by the EU Council to offer the UK a flexible Brexit extension until 31 October - but he has added that the time must be used wisely.

Commenting on the latest development, Ian Wright CBE, FDF Chief Executive said: "Food and drink manufacturers are mightily relieved that the immediate threat of a catastrophic no-deal Brexit has been lifted. 

"The additional time must now be used wisely. Government and Parliament simply must give us a coherent plan to lead us out of our current mess. It must be a way forward that allows us to make progress in resolving the future of our relationship with the EU, taking full account of the needs of food and drink businesses." 

Irwin Mitchell, which is a member of the FDF, hosted an event at Chatsworth on 11 April which highlighted the impacts of Brexit on the rural economy.

As part of the session, there was a specially recorded message for Irwin Mitchell from Ian Wright highlighting the short and long-term impacts of Brexit on the food and drink sector.

Ian comments on the impact of uncertainty on investment levels , the costs in relation to stockpiling, labour in the food & drink supply chain, and food safety regulations. 

To coincide with the event, Irwin Mitchell has also published a report which analyses the impact of Brexit on the wider rural economy. Download the report