'Prepare for Brexit despite uncertainties', urges PA

The Publishers Association has advised businesses take “practical steps” to prepare for Brexit as best they can despite the “frustrating and challenging” political uncertainty, while the Society of Authors has warned it has “significant concerns” should a no-deal Brexit come to pass ahead of a major vote in the House of Commons tomorrow (Tuesday 11th December).  

Theresa May is widely expected to lose the vote asking Parliament to back her EU-approved withdrawal agreement as MPs from aross the political spectrum object to the deal. The Guardian says “the numbers that have vowed to vote against her deal are so vast that reducing it by half begins to look like an achievement”. A crushing defeat could spell a leadership contest or even a general election. If the UK is forced to return to the negotiating table, a no-deal scenario also becomes more likely. 

Asked whether the publishing industry would be ready in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Stephen Lotinga, PA c.e.o., said its organisation has been working “extensively” with publishers to plan for what a post-Brexit world might look like and how they can best prepare for whatever the outcome is of the vote. The PA has advised publishers to maintain close contact with European partners, and an open dialogue with government and stakeholders, while keeping an eye on developments that may affect the import and export of goods.

“In the absence of certainty, we’ve been encouraging publishers to begin preparations based on rational assumptions of what we might expect,” Lotinga said. “From liaising with European partners regarding supply chains, to keeping abreast of any changes to border procedures for importing and exporting products, to identifying staff members requiring travel to EU27 countries after March 2019. Publishers are working to minimise any Brexit disruption and will continue to be open to conversation with partners, government and stakeholders to make sure they are in the best possible position to respond to any changes.”

Lotinga added: “The uncertainty and political volatility is frustrating and challenging – but there are practical steps businesses can take to plan. We’re seeing that planning happen and we’re supporting members with that process. We are here and ready to help and advise publishers who have concerns.”

The SoA said it has "significant concerns" should the UK walk away without a deal. Although the majority of its key concerns around Brexit – such as copyright, exhaustion of rights and access to EU funding – are not addressed in the withdrawal agreement, and therefore do not hinge on whether or not the UK leaves without a deal, it cautioned against any developments that could rock economic stability to both the trade and to authors’ detriment. 

“We do have significant concerns about a no-deal outcome and the likely impact on trade and the economy as a whole,” said a spokesperson for SoA. “Exports of printed books from the UK are thriving, with 36% of these exports destined for Europe. Crashing out of the EU on WTO terms is bound to undermine this success by imposing barriers on trade.

“Most serious economists predict that a no-deal exit would cause a serious shock to the economy and a fall in the value in the pound. Such an scenario would bring unwelcome instability to the industry and cause further hardship for authors who are already struggling financially.”

Lizzy Kremer, president of the AAA, has backed SoA’s position in terms of its key concerns relating to the UK’s future relationship with the EU and said the AAA would continue to work with its sister organisations (the SoA and the PA) “to make sure creators and publishers have a seat at the table when the government enters trade deal negotiations”.