WILTSHIRE has spoken, with 52.5% of people in the county voting to leave the European Union following a referendum that has divided the nation.
On Friday 24th June, Wiltshire woke to the news that the UK had voted ‘Out’ with local voters mirroring the national vote. In Wiltshire, the Leave campaign won by 52.5% to 47.5%; nationally, Leave gained 51.9% of the vote with Remain on 48.1%.
The South West Wilts count area which includes Westbury voted Leave: 43,078; Remain: 35,555 – 54.7% to 45.3%
Now questions are being asked as to how the decision will affect local people.
Local MP Dr Andrew Murrison believes Westbury will benefit from the vote. He said, “The result of this historic decision by the British people is the right one for the UK.
“It is now time to reassure our partners that we wish to share a prosperous future based on trade and commerce.
“I am clear that small and medium-sized businesses and employers, and there are many in Westbury, will benefit from the decision.”
But there were warnings from local councillor Ian Cunningham who said, “I am disappointed. I think the economic effects will be painful (they already have been but people won’t feel this yet) and if there is more austerity, Westbury will take its usual place in Wiltshire – at the front of the queue for any cuts (e.g. a hospital) and the back if there is a little money going (e.g. a campus).
“I have always been opposed to a referendum on such a complex issue. I am baffled that we can decide on the world’s most complex econo-political union guided mostly by 5-word headlines and 10 second soundbites.
“We are making such a momentous decision on a supposed majority decision when 63% of the electorate did not vote for Leave. (The majority was only amongst those who voted – many who did not, said that they could not decide.)
“I think the economic effects will be painful. I hope I am wrong but in any case we must make the best of what we have. Once the new leaders come up with an actual plan and tell us what it is, I hope we might be asked again for our view; I think some will be surprised to find out that any meaningful trade deal with the EU (which we must have) will involve free movement of labour and probably financial contribution, as is the case for the other non-EU European partners.”
South West Euro MP and Remain campaigner, Julie Girling, has spoken of her disappointment over the result of the referendum.
“This is a shattering decision for Britain. I am deeply sorry that the people of the UK have chosen this leap in the dark. I believe future generations will question our wisdom.
“The EU has many faults, of course, but I remain convinced that we would be safer, stronger and better off by remaining a member.
“However, the British people have decided otherwise. The Conservative Party, like the whole nation, must put our disagreements behind us and pull together to get the best for Britain.
“As an MEP, I intend to do all I can to make sure we negotiate the best terms possible for our departure and protect our trade, exports and economy.”
With the help of former Bank of England Director for the South West and economist, Kevin Bulter, Inspire Wessex Chamber of Commerce will be untangling the headlines and looking into what Brexit means for Wiltshire businesses at an Inspire Business Breakfast at Cumberwell Golf Park, Bradford on Avon on Friday 1st July. To join, email team@inspirebiz.co.uk or call 01225 355553.
Phil Smith, managing director of independent business leadership organisation Business West said, “It is vital that the government now sets out a clear plan for what leave looks like. This must include a commitment to negotiate for full or equivalent access to the European Single market – the UK’s largest export market.
“Many South West firms export to the EU, are part of pan European supply chains, rely on skilled European labour or depend on foreign investment due to the UK’s position in the single market. These firms need clarity as quickly as possible about the UK’s future trading relationship with Europe. Without clarity there is a danger that investments will be put on hold, plans for new plant, new jobs and new expansion will be frozen.
“Government must set out what its negotiating time frame is; how negotiations around future trade relationships will go alongside withdrawal from the European Union and give clear reassurances around the quality of market access it seeks to achieve. The aim of the negotiations cannot be to raise the drawbridge to either Europe or the world. Equally, fears over migration cannot be allowed to trump the UK’s economic interests.
“Eyes will now turn to the financial markets, with the value of sterling and shares already falling. The Bank of England and the government need to reassure consumers, businesses and investors that it is ready to steady the ship and prevent damaging fall out from market uncertainty.
“Above all the government must do its upmost to stop this process creating years of political and economic uncertainty which will negatively affect businesses from the smallest to the largest. This calls on politicians of all parties to rediscover statesmanship and negotiate what is the biggest change for the UK since the end of the Second World War.”
