Noted industrialist Swraj Paul on Wednesday blamed “inappropriate scare tactics” for Britain voting to leave the European Union in last year’s referendum, but hoped that the Theresa May government will now achieve the best possible deal for the country.
Delivering the keynote address at a manufacturing conference at the University of Wolverhampton, Paul, who is also the university’s chancellor, called himself “a very strong European” who would have liked Britain to remain in the EU.
“Unfortunately, and mainly due to inappropriate scare tactics, the country voted to leave. Those who thought that alarming people was a good strategy are now calling for a second referendum,” Paul, who wanted Britain to join the Euro, said.
“But the country has made a democratic decision and as a democrat I believe we should uphold that decision.”
Globalisation, Paul said, presented opportunities for businesses, including developing effective and sustainable R&D collaborations. Chairman of the Caparo Group, Paul also recounted the principles that guided his journey over the years.
“I certainly don’t profess to have all the answers but I would like to share with you some of the experiences that have shaped my career. At a very early age my parents taught me that there is dignity in all kinds of work and you must apply yourself accordingly.”
{{/usCountry}}“I certainly don’t profess to have all the answers but I would like to share with you some of the experiences that have shaped my career. At a very early age my parents taught me that there is dignity in all kinds of work and you must apply yourself accordingly.”
{{/usCountry}}“At MIT I learned always to strive for excellence. Nothing else will do. From my own experiences in manufacturing, I know it to be one of the most stable and respected careers. Finally, I have always found that there is no substitute for hard work and integrity,” he said.
Paul also inaugurated new engineering facilities at the university.