The Truth Behind Amazon's Claim That No-Deal Brexit Will Lead To "Civil Unrest"

23 July 2018, 08:55 | Updated: 23 July 2018, 16:01

The boss of Amazon has warned that Britain faces "civil unrest" within two weeks if we leave the EU without a deal. But this is very different to what he said a few months ago.

Doug Gurr, the UK Country Manager for the internet giant, told other business leaders last week that it's the worst-case outcome during a meeting with Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, according to The Times.

But LBC's Business Correspondent Declan Curry reveals this is contrary to Mr Gurr's previous comments.

Speaking to Tom Swarbrick, Declan said: "At this meeting, the head of the UK for Amazon told other guests, including the Brexit Secretary, that the worst case outcome that Amazon saw from a hard Brexit would be civil unrest, disorder on the street.

"The Times said 'The remark stunned those present, with some expressing skepticism about Amazon's forecast' which is a lovely way of expressing it.

"It's worth drawing this contrast. In June, Amazon spoke to the Guardian newspaper and it said then that it was committed to a post-Brexit Britain and planned 2,500 new jobs.

"Perhaps Mr Gurr's views on this are, shall we say, evolving. Maybe he's just considering all the potential aspects of this."

Tom Swarbrick discussed the Amazon boss' comments
Tom Swarbrick discussed the Amazon boss' comments. Picture: LBC / PA

In that interview with the Guardian, Mr Gurr said: "The UK is a fantastic place to do business. We are trying to make sure all the businesses that work with us can continue to operate effectively.

"We don’t yet know exactly what the rules [on trading after Brexit] are going to be. We will wait and see what happens and adapt as necessary."

Responding to Mr Gurr's comments on Friday, an Amazon spokesman said: "Like any business, we consider a wide range of scenarios in planning discussions so that we’re prepared to continue serving customers and small businesses who count on Amazon, even if those scenarios are very unlikely.

"This is not specific to any one issue — it’s the way we plan for any number of issues around the world."

More Tom Swarbrick

See more More Tom Swarbrick

Exclusive
British troops could be stationed in Ukraine, a Trump ally has said.

Trump's counter-terrorism chief says British troops could be stationed in Ukraine if ceasefire is agreed

Exclusive
Richard Tice thinks Reform "has the momentum" to challenge at the next election.

Reform deputy leader Richard Tice says 'hundreds of thousands' could lose jobs due to Labour's 'appalling' Budget

Exclusive
The terror watchdog was speaking to LBC's Tom Swarbrick

Terror watchdog warns hostile nations could use 'ordinary Brits' to 'carry out acts of sabotage'

Exclusive
Robert Jenrick Launches His Bid To Be The Next Conservative Party Leader

Social housing should be focused on ‘people who have been here for a long time’, Robert Jenrick tells LBC

Tom Swarbrick speak to Jonathan Dekel-Chen

Israeli hostage's father tells LBC Benjamin Netanyahu must 'negotiate with Satan' to bring hostages home

Exclusive
One child strip searched every 14 hours report reveals, as minister admits police searches 'taking place in chicken shops'

One child strip searched every 14 hours as commissioner says police searches 'taking place in chicken shops'

Nigel Farage waded into the row between Keir Starmer and Elon musk

'I pray he's wrong': Nigel Farage tells LBC following Elon Musk's claim 'civil war is inevitable' in Britain

Exclusive
Nigel Farage has refused to apologise after making the comments after the stabbing attack in Southport

Nigel Farage refuses to apologise over claims made about Southport attacker being known to police

Exclusive
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson has told LBC that courts could sit through the night to bring “speedy justice” to those taking part in violent demonstration

Courts could sit through night to bring 'speedy justice' to violent protesters, policing minister tells LBC

Exclusive
A sister has described the moment she punched a crocodile to save her sister.

'I wasn't going to leave her behind': Twin recalls punching crocodile to save sister

Exclusive
Susan Hall has dismissed Ed Miliband's claim that she would be an 'embarrassment' to Britain as the next London mayor.

Susan Hall dismisses as 'nonsense’ after Ed Miliband said she would be an ‘embarrassment’ as London Mayor

Exclusive
UK should prepare for 'something close to war', Nato's deputy tells LBC, amid warning members have 'neglected defence'

UK should prepare for 'something close to war', Nato's Deputy General tells LBC, as he warns Russia 'cannot be trusted'

Emma Webber (left) speaking to LBC

Mother of Nottingham attack victim Barnaby Webber blasts police ‘mistruths’ after force is put in special measures

Lord Harrington said there should be a cap on the number of asylum seekers the UK takes.

Former refugees minister Lord Harrington calls for a cap on the number of asylum seekers the UK takes

Mel Stride has backed the PM

Rishi Sunak has 'absolutely not' betrayed nation over Rwanda plan, insists minister after Braverman's attack on PM

Tom and caller

'Our family is there': Mother shares heartbreaking experience of being a British Jew during Israel-Hamas conflict