Advertising Association Responds to Brexit Deal Chaos

As UK prime minister Theresa May faced mass resignations in the wake of her attempt to get a Brexit deal approved by her party, the UK’s Advertising Association responded to the proposed deal and the need for resolution. 

So far today, two MPS have resigned from the cabinet (Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey ), alongside a clutch of junior people ministers and aides – and arch focal hardline Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg has submitted a letter requesting a no confidence vote against the prime minister.  

On the outline declaration of the proposed deal, Stephen Woodford of the Advertising Association noted a lack of concrete detail was a cause for concern. “Like much of the country, the advertising industry is waiting for clear decisions to be made about the future direction of the country and its relationship with the EU. Our core concerns continue to focus on access to talent, free cross-border data flows, and freedom to advertise on cross-border TV channels. We note that the outline political declaration touches on some of these themes, but without further detail it is difficult to make a considered judgement. This is concerning for services – considering its huge role in the economy – and for advertising in particular given our £132bn contribution to UK GDP.”

With Brexiteers pushing for more negotiations, uncertainty regarding Theresa May’s fate and the Remain campaign for a second referendum – the so-called ‘people’s vote’ – gathering momentum, Woodford reflected on the need for clarity.

“March 29 2019 is drawing ever closer and the clock is ticking ever more loudly,” he said. “The time for answers and a sensible way forward is now upon us.”

The Advertising Association connects businesses in the advertising sector (from brands to agencies and media owners) to Government and according to its own data, approximately one in five people working in UK advertising are from the European Union.