• John Lewis Partnership is one of the first retailers to confront the consequences of a possible Brexit
  • A debate was organised by JLP chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield
  • JLP’s panel grilled chairman of the Stronger in Europe campaign Lord Stuart Rose and frontman of the Vote Leave group John Mills

 

 

John Lewis Partnership has staged a debate with Lord Stuart Rose and JML owner John Mills on the consequences of the EU referendum.

The owner of John Lewis and Waitrose is one of the first retailers to confront the consequences of the Brexit. It is understood that JLP chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield organised the debate following concerns over a lack of understanding on the implications of the EU referendum.

Rose, chairman of the Stronger in Europe campaign, and Mills, frontman of the Vote Leave group, were each given 10 minutes to present their views on whether Britain should stay or leave the EU.

A panel of 65 elected JLP councillors, their president and the company’s board members then grilled the speakers at the debate in Odney, Berkshire.

A John Lewis spokeman told The Sunday Telegraph: “We recognise the importance of equipping our partners with knowledge on the EU referendum, to help inform them on both sides of the debate as citizens and as employees.”

David Cameron is expected to announce the date of the referendum later this month. It is thought it could be June 23.

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