Addressing a group of guests at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahmedabad, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Hon'ble Member of House of Lords, said that it was premature to talk about the impact of Brexit. Strongly establishing that he was against Britain leaving the European Union, Lord Parekh said the implications of the referendum were yet to be estimated as negotiations of the exit would take over two years, may be more.
"I am totally against 'Brexit'. What is Brexit? It is a silly term brought in 2013. The UK leaving the EU doesn't mean it will fail as a nation. Britain will sustain, but, it won't make the impact it makes staying within the Union. It is similar to India leaving the Commonwealth. Not that it won't survive, it will just make the country poorer," said Lord Parekh. "In the referendum, majority exercised the power to exit, and therefore Brexit will happen. Nearly 52.3 per cent wanted to leave while 48 per cent population wanted to stay. Can the majority decide the fate of the remaining 48 per cent? In a democracy, they can," he said.
Lord Parekh mentioned the major questions worth asking post the milestone vote. "Now, what about the 48 per cent who wanted to stay? What are the consequences? What about UK's relations with other countries? The Brexit has positive results for India. The chances of Britain investing in India has now increased. Infrastructure, smart cities, rural areas, all these are areas of interest of the British government. However, what about the students? What is the government doing for the students?"
Also speaking at the event, British Deputy High Commissioner at Ahmedabad, Geoff Wain addressed the audience saying, "British is truly a great country." He said it is a private and prospering economy which is why, Brexit will have no major adverse impact. "In any case, Britain is not leaving the European Union completely as mutual cooperative agreement will govern the relations between Britain and the EU." Wain also stated that the economy was financially resilient and London being a leading bilateral hub, there was no cause of concern.
Earlier K.H. Patel, Chairman NRG Centre, Ahmedabad in his introductory remarks said that Non-Resident Indians and Non-Resident Gujaratis had an overwhelming presence in Britain. Nearly 15 to 2000,000 NRIs resided in Britain and the NRG population alone was close to 900,000. Nearly 1,000 hotels in London were run by the NRGs. Bipin R Patel, President GCCI, welcomed the guests and Shailesh Patwari, Sr. Vice President, GCCI proposed a vote of thanks.
