Today’s batch of posted Government notices have a weakness that is too obvious to mention. Piecemeal publications addressing what seem like random subjects on decidedly technical issues are great for the administrators and lawyers of service providers. However, there’s no easy to understand information for the general public. It’s good to know what the implications of “No Deal” are for package holidays[1] but little of what is provided will help the average British shopper. If someone buys a holiday packages from an EU based travel company, they may or may not be protected depending upon whether that company has a UK business. Try explaining that to someone scanning the INTERNET and comparing travel deals. Yes, the fine print always matters but if you think you’re dealing with a reputable travel company and the price is right, a Government technical notice may not be high on your mind even if you know it exists. The national media are making their own reading of the notices and that paints a gloomy picture for spring next year in the UK. Here’s the view from ITV.
So, my advice is; have a good winter break and don’t book anything for April 2019. It would be as well to look at the individual airline and travel company too. Some will be better prepared than others. Some will have special terms and conditions to cope with potential problems. Some will still be pretending the change is minor or will go away.
Another of the big Brexit issues that isn’t given much attention is the coincidence of risks. What I mean by this is that; normal emergency planning is focused on one major event. A hurricane, a banking crisis, a plane crash are all examples of catastrophes where a Government should have an emergency plan.
The problem with Brexit at 00:00 on 29 March 2019 is that everything will happen at once. I’m not saying the weather will change, although who knows? but each sector will go through a significant transition at the same time. Even within each sector, like Aviation, every part of it will have to transition in one moment. Some parts will be impacted, and others will not.
Trying to anticipate all the combinations and permutations of interdependencies and interconnections that will be impacted is a daunting task. Because of the limited time and the sheer complexity of the task even a good analysis will miss important connections.
On the political front all we hear is – it’ll be alright on the night. It may be comforting to think that a smooth and orderly Brexit is possible in ALL scenarios. However, you would be foolish to be taken in by such an assurance. Unprecedented disruption is likely in a real “No Deal”.
I’ve got a couple of events in the calendar where Brexit will be a topic. One is a conference in London called: Negotiating Brexit: Where Now? Conference[2].
The other is a “Regulatory Changes and Challenges” panel session at MRO Europe[3], taking place in Amsterdam between 16-18 October.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/consumer-rights-if-theres-no-brexit-deal–2/consumer-rights-if-theres-no-brexit-deal
[2] https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/negotiating-brexit-where-now-tickets-50182431002
[3] https://mroeurope.aviationweek.com/eu18/Public/Enter.aspx
John Vincent 