Following the result of the EU Referendum vote, the British Hospitality Association (BHA) convened its members, industry and political leaders yesterday to discuss economic and political ramifications in the short term. The aim of the meeting was to frame a plan to ensure that they have a seat at the table on all negotiations including taxation, immigration and regulation.
Ufi Ibrahim (pictured), the CEO of the BHA, said, “The EU referendum question represented a profound moment for the future of our industry. Hospitality and tourism benefits from a flourishing economy and any level of uncertainty will have an impact. The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union is the beginning of a process which could take years.”
She continued, “As we go through this process, the BHA will call upon every politician in this country to do all they can to guard the strong reputation that our industry has built representing a hospitable and welcoming country all around the world. Our industry is one of the key drivers of exports, prosperity and the fourth largest employer supporting 4.5 million jobs.”
The BHA Summit participants included: William Hague, Baron Hague of Richmond, PC, FRSL, former Foreign Secretary; Dr Andrew Sentance CBE, senior economist and former member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England; Rt Hon John Whittingdale MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Welsh Government; Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Scottish Government; Sir David Norgrove; Chairman, Low Pay Commission; Sir Howard Bernstein; Chief Executive, Manchester City Council.