UK Economy 'not Prepared' For No-deal Brexit, Says Mark Carney

Bank of England governor said 'the fog of Brexit is causing short term volatility in the economic data and more fundamentally it is creating a series of tensions in the economy'

UK economy 'not prepared' for no-deal Brexit, says Mark Carney

The Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney speaks at a news conference at the Bank of England in London. Photo: HANNAH MCKAYAFPGetty Images

Britain's economy is "not yet prepared" for a disorderly no-deal departure from the European Union next month, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned Thursday.

"Although many companies are stepping up their contingency planning, the economy as a whole is still not yet prepared for a no-deal no-transition exit," Carney told reporters after the bank slashed its economic growth forecasts.

As British Prime Minister Theresa May attempts to rescue her withdrawal agreement, Carney warned that the "fog of Brexit" has sparked volatility across financial markets, the economy, and for businesses.

"The UK is leaving the European Union, not leaving Europe, and it is pursuing an ambitious (and) broad economic and security partnership," Carney said.

"But the exact form of that partnership - how it will be settled and when that settlement will take effect - is still unclear.

"The fog of Brexit is causing short term volatility in the economic data and more fundamentally it is creating a series of tensions in the economy. Tensions for business."

He added: "Given the dynamic of (Brexit) negotiations, we are now assuming uncertainty remains elevated for a while and that financial conditions stay tighter for longer."

For all the latest banking and finance news from the UAE and Gulf countries, follow us on Twitter and Linkedin, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.

Subscribe to Arabian Business' newsletter to receive the latest breaking news and business stories in Dubai,the UAE and the GCC straight to your inbox.

RECENT NEWS

DIFC Courts Embrace Blockchain Tools For Complex Digital Asset Cases

New custodial and analytics services will allow judges and litigants to better manage disputes involving cryptocurrenci... Read more

UAE Announces Major Changes To Corporate Tax Rules

Changes explain how corporate tax liabilities are settled and give businesses the right to claim payments in certain ca... Read more

Kuwait To Launch Dedicated Banking Crimes Prosecution Office In 2026

New unit in Kuwait will target cyber fraud, cheque offences and financial forgery as authorities step up protection of ... Read more

Islamic Development Bank Approves $1.365bn Financing In 12 Countries

To support development projects, including renewable energy, power networks, transport corridors, water and agricultura... Read more

UAE Tops MENA Crypto Adoption And Ranks 5th Worldwide – Report

World Crypto Rankings 2025 highlights the UAE’s rise as a regional leader in digital assets and tokenisation, with Du... Read more

ADIO, Primavera To Collaborate To Attract High-growth Companies To Abu Dhabi

The partnership will increase cross-border capital flows, deepen investor partnerships and expand the footprint of glob... Read more