The 106th Retail Motor Industry Federation annual dinner took place at the London InterContinental on Thursday 10 October 2019 before an audience of key stakeholders of the automotive industry, Government representatives, MPs and journalists.
Since the Brexit referendum in June 2016, businesses in the UK have been waiting for clarity on our future terms of trade with the EU. The urgent need for clarity, to support UK businesses, was the key theme of RMI Chairman Peter Johnson’s speech.
Johnson called on the UK Government to a agree a Brexit deal or “prices will rise as a result of the import tariffs that will be paid on vehicles and parts” and “it is in everyone’s interests that a future trade deal between the UK and EU removes these tariffs”, he added.
Johnson added, “Whilst we have been part of the EU, we have become accustomed to frictionless and tariff-free trade between the UK and the other countries of the EU. It has meant that automotive parts can be delivered quickly from wherever they are made or held in stock and vehicles can be ordered and transported across borders in minimal time.
“Considering the automotive sector provides direct employment for over 800,000 people, it is essential that the government makes a commitment to outline a clear and beneficial deal in order to ensure our industry has what it needs to secure its future success.”
The guest speaker, impressionist Rory Bremner, entertained the audience with a sharp and satirical performance.
The dinner raised a generous £2,500 for Ben, the automotive charity.
