Personal and political predominates in once-in-a-lifetime poll

Nelson Ogunshakin
22 June 2016

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ACE chief executive Nelson Ogunshakin offers some personal thoughts on the eve of the EU referendum.

In less than 24 hours’ time the British people will exercise their democratic right to vote either to stay or leave the EU. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, after four months of intensive campaigning which has resulted in a big national and global conversation, created market uncertainty, division within the ruling cabinet and across political parties. 

In the process, we have sadly lost one of our up-and-coming rising stars and outstanding political personality, Jo Cox MP,  who should be celebrating her 42nd birthday today - a tragic loss to her family, friends, the nation and collateral damage of the campaign which is unrecoverable. 

Yesterday’s BBC Great Debate between the Remain and Leave campaigns and the unfolding final passionate statements of leaders of both camps today, clearly provided an opportunity for the undecided to take a position on tomorrow’s vote.

The Campaign

The campaign’s themes have predominantly focused on the economy, market opportunities, employment, sovereignty, security and immigration. Whilst these subjects have been debated across all platforms with forecasts, claims and counter claims, the truth of the matter is that no one really knows exactly what the outcome will be. However, current market feedback in terms of the losses in the equity market, uncertainty in the economy, reductions in foreign direct investment (FDI) and delays in investment is an indication of the likely direction of travel if the UK were to adopt a leave vote. 

Over recent days, the leave campaign has relentlessly pushed the key messages of taking back control, standing on own two feet, avoiding unelected bureaucrats in Brussels, speaking out for others in Europe and called for a significant reduction in immigration – the latter branded a "hate campaign” by Remain’s London mayor Sadiq Khan. 

On the other hand, the Remain campaign has presented its case that Britain is stronger and greater, together and that the best way to build a better economy and help to shape Europe’s future and address issues such as mass migration and climate change is to stay within the EU. This has been branded as a scaremongering campaign by Boris Johnson for the Leave side.

Industry views

The CBI has consistently championed the majority of industry views to support the Remain campaign based on the conclusions of a well-researched report delivered at the beginning of the campaign. Their conclusions have gained support with major respected institutional bodies across the UK and globally backing the Remain side. Virgin Group chairman Sir Richard Branson and other key industry leaders  like Greg Hopkinson  of ARUP, Keith Howells of Mott MacDonald and Dr Uwe Kruger of Atkins have gone on the record as supporting the Remain side. From the consultancy and engineering sector, a poll of ACE’s membership has confirmed that more than 60% are in favour of remaining in the EU in line with similar feedback across most other industry representative bodies across the UK. 

Conclusion

As we celebrate National Women in Engineering Day tomorrow, voting stations will be busy across the country and by Friday lunch time the result of the referendum will be known. Notwithstanding the arguments on both sides of this debate, the concerns over too much unpredictability and uncertainty, or the lack of coherent and visible plans in the event of a leave or stay outcome, we will need to focus on unifying the nation after tomorrow.

Leave or Remain, the Prime Minister David Cameron will have to accept the decision of the British electorate. Unity will be required within the government and key urgent decisions on investment in infrastructure such as Heathrow Airport will be needed. Britain will need to move forward to rebuild its position within Europe and global market. 

To effect the right outcome, I would encourage everyone qualified to exercise their individual democratic right to vote tomorrow so that we can move forward with the development of our economy and the nation to make UK a strong voice in the global market. More importantly, we must not forget the loss of Jo Cox MP who sacrificed her life for a good and noble cause. Our deepest sympathy goes to her family, loved ones - may her soul rest in perfect peace.