Well, this certainly sucks (badum tush) for Brexiteers. British citizens — both for and against the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union — are pretty incensed that the high-tech home appliance company plans to move its headquarters from England to Singapore, where its first electric car plant will be built.
A quintessentially British brand established by Sir James Dyson in 1991, the company made its name (and massive fortune) from its chic vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, fans and other household appliances that look as good as they perform. Overpriced for sure, but their gizmos last long, according to the cult of Dyson believers worldwide.
Despite having pushed for Britain to join the Eurozone (i.e., ditch the Pound sterling for the Euro single currency) in the ‘90s and ‘00s, Dyson was one of the staunchest and prominent voices to publicly support Brexit. For business reasons of course, as he believed that it would free Britain’s economy from the restrictions of the European Union Single Market and allow the country to make its own trade deals.
His outspoken nationalistic ideals, however, seemed hypocritical when his company announced that it’ll be moving its head office from Malmesbury to Singapore. Nothing to do at all with Brexit, said Dyson chief executive Jim Rowan, who asserted that the decision was made for “future-proofing” the business.
“We are a global technology company,” Rowan insisted. “Globally, enthusiastic owners are demanding high-performance products so we are deepening out operations and technology investments to meet their needs.”
To be fair, only two of Dyson’s executives will be relocating here. BBC reported that no jobs will be lost and other work at Malmesbury will not be affected.
The billionaire owner of the company, however, did not offer any statement of his own. On social media, however, folks had a lot to say about James Dyson and his decision.
Brexit-backing tycoon James Dyson relocating his HQ from Britain to Singapore is a vote of no confidence in Brexit Britain from a reckless billionaire who helped dump us in this mess yet can escape the chaos he helped create
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) January 22, 2019
Dyson’s decision to move his HQ to Singapore reflects his narrow business interest. This is not just a transfer of two people. When HQs move, so does the intellectual property. Betrayal of the public who put their faith in him as a British business advocating a No Deal Brexit.
— Sam Gyimah MP (@SamGyimah) January 22, 2019
The shameless hypocrisy of leading Brexiters knows no bounds and today we learn that one of Brexit’s biggest backers, James Dyson, is moving his HQ from the UK to Singapore. https://t.co/gFKrAyhUPV
— People’s Vote UK (@peoplesvote_uk) January 22, 2019
Dyson, Feb 2017: “Dyson’s exporting strength and commitment to creating jobs in Britain is a real success story that demonstrates the opportunity that our plan to create a truly global Britain can present.”
Dyson, Jan 2019: Moves HQ to Singapore…
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) January 22, 2019
Some pointed out astutely that Singapore signed a Free Trade Agreement with the EU in October last year, which would presumably allow Dyson (when based here) to reap the benefits. One of the key terms of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement? The EU will remove tariffs on 84% of all Singapore products entering the EU.
Let me get this straight:
James Dyson argued for Brexit alongside people who want No-Deal and now he’s moving his business to Singapore, which is in the same Free Trade area as the EU he told us to Leave?https://t.co/tYEj7Jw3EM— Femi (@Femi_Sorry) January 22, 2019
I see why Dyson is moving his HQ to Singapore. 3 months ago Singapore signed a free trade agreement with the EU – so Dyson will have more access to European markets from Singapore than from the UK!https://t.co/s8xRyMk0Bb
— Andrew Adonis (@Andrew_Adonis) January 22, 2019
Pro Brexiteer @Dyson moves to Singapore just before the EU makes a trade deal with that country. I thought #Brexit was going to be amazing for business & trade alike? Looks like he’s joining @Jacob_Rees_Mogg and relocating their businesses outside of the UK. #BrexitShambles https://t.co/dTfL8O9NuD
— David Skaith (@DSkaith) January 23, 2019
On the consumer side of things, even some of Dyson’s fans have decided to boycott the company’s products out of sheer disappointment.
Based on your lack of loyalty to the UK despite your great leader being a leading Brexiteer my current Dyson devices will be my last.
— Mike Nield (@Wonkawarla) January 22, 2019
you mean you don’t already? I’ll walk out with wet hands before I would use their hand dryers AND I told my sisters in law that I would not contribute to a Dyson vacuum for father in law (and why).
— Catherina #FBPE #RevokeRemainRebuild (@justthevax) January 22, 2019
Liars!!!! Hope the boycott begins, not that you care about the UK market or jobs. Another parasite that has shown true colours. Do as i say not what i do!
— John Pollock (@johnpollock1978) January 23, 2019
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