EEF changes name to Make UK and warns of “catastrophic” Brexit

Dame Hackitt, who is chair of Make UK (formerly known as EEF) was speaking at Make UK’s annual dinner. “I am saddened by the way that some of our politicians have put selfish political ideology ahead of the national interest and people’s livelihoods and left us facing the catastrophic prospect of leaving the EU next month with no deal,” she told the audience.

“Let me be clear for the press and for those hard brexiteers who accuse us of scaremongering. This is very real and very serious. The ninth largest manufacturing economy in the world needs to be assured that our contribution to UK prosperity is recognised and valued."

Hackitt’s comments follow the publication of a Make UK survey which found that 49 per cent of UK manufacturers believe that leaving the EU with ‘no deal’ would make the UK unattractive as a manufacturing location. Just 28 per cent said it would be more attractive.