Following Parliament’s rejection of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal, the CEO of Kuehne + Nagel has emphasised the importance of open markets.
The deal was rejected by a margin of 230, with 202 MPs supporting the PM, and 432 opposing the deal, with May now facing a no confidence motion at 7pm this evening (16 January).
Dr Detlef Trefzger says: “The House of Commons has made a historic decision which we need to respect. Kuehne + Nagel is committed to global free trade in principle which ensures prosperity for everyone. So from our perspective, “No Brexit” would be the preferred solution, since any form of Brexit is bound to increase trade barriers.”
He calls a disorderly Brexit the “worst solution”, saying: “It will impose massive restrictions on the exchange of goods between the European Union and the United Kingdom. We appeal to the responsible bodies in London and Brussels to do the utmost to prevent this scenario. As far as we are concerned, we are focussed on ensuring the constant flow of goods for our customers.”
Trefzger says Kuehne + Nagel has engaged customers and its industry experts to assess all possible impacts.
He says Kuehne + Nagel has taken steps to review all options to secure capacity on trade routes outside the Kent corridor both by sea and air, and is recruiting additional customs clerks.
Kuehne + Nagel was asked to participate in the UK Government Cross Border Steering Group and will define sustainable solutions as Brexit conditions become clearer.
