A Harris Tweed producer has backed the campaign to remain within the European Union.
Harris Tweed mill backs campaign for remaining in EU
9 June 2016
Harris Tweed Hebrides, which provides employment for more than 200 weavers and mill workers, exports more than 75% of its output, either into EU markets or transported further afield through EU ports. Germany, France and Italy are all important markets for the fabric.
Chief executive, Ian Angus Mackenzie, said: “It would be remiss for a company which is so heavily dependent on exporting not to put forward the positive case for remaining within the EU, when local livelihoods may depend upon it.
“It is extremely important to us that we can sell into one of the world’s biggest free trade areas without additional costs, tariff barriers or other bureaucratic obstructions. There is absolutely no guarantee that these conditions could be retained outside the EU.
“Eventually, there may be new trade agreements but it seems unlikely that our current partners would be in any hurry to offer us the kind of arrangements which currently exist. At very least, there would be a period of great uncertainty from which British exports would inevitably suffer.
Company chairman and former trade minister, Brian Wilson said: “As a company, we support our employees’ rights at work which have been built up over many years and are underpinned by EU directives. The extension of these rights has been resisted at every turn by the people now leading the Brexit campaign and would be immediately vulnerable if they succeed.
“We are also part of a community which has benefited hugely from investment in infrastructure, generated by EU policies and its commitment to the peripheral areas of Europe. Like every other business in the Western Isles, we benefit day and daily from that investment and do not now wish to turn our backs on it.”