International Experts deliberate on implications of Brexit for U.K. and Rest of World at Panel Discussion in PU

Chandigarh, July 11, 2016: International Experts deliberated on the implications of Brexit for the U.K and Rest of the World at the Panel Discussion in Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh.
The Panel Discussion on “Brexit and Its Implications for the U.K. and Rest of the World” was organized by the PU Department of Public Administration in collaboration with IIPA Regional Branch, Punjab & Chandigarh (UT) at the Department of Public Administration, Arts Block 3, First Floor, Sector 14 PU Campus.
Discussing the consequences of Brexit, the Senior Lecturer at the Department of Politics and International Relations in Cardiff University, Wales, U.K, Dr. Stephen Thornton said that Brexit could lead to new relationships with EU, new innovations in domestic policies and possible break-up of the U.K. and changes in its political system. He discussed at length the voting behavior of British nationals across geography, gender, age and economic class. England (minus London) and Wales voted strongly for Brexit. Scotland and Northern Ireland backed staying in the E.U. Young people as compared to old favoured to remain with E.U. The industrial workers were broadly in favour of exit. He discussed the role of national and international leaders in the referendum. According to him the fear of glut of immigrants, loss in jobs and stagnating economy of the U.K. were the major reasons for Brexit.
Director, Institute for Development and Communication, Chandigarh Professor Pramod Kumar emphasized that Brexit has major consequences for the process of globalization narrowing the definition of sovereignty and democracy. He referred to Brexit as crises of post capitalism surfacing and resurfacing in different forms. He highlighted that the present phase of globalization is more about GDP rather than focusing on citizen well being and reducing inequalities.
Prof B.S. Ghuman discussed at length the impact of Brexit on India. According to him uncertainty is looming large after Brexit in the U.K. India may gain as a destination of FDI from the U.K. but vice-versa is not valid as Indian firms would be reluctant to invest in the U.K. The Indian Diaspora may also suffer on account of deceleration in the economy and jobs. Tourism may get temporary fillip in the short run. The number of Indian students likely to come down during post Brexit period mainly due to stricter visa work permit and immigration policies, he added.
I.F.S. (Retd) and former Ambassador Sh. I.S. Chadha while discussing the impact of Brexit on the process of globalization voiced his concerns with the way globalization is being carried out leaving much to be desired. He, therefore, vouched for addressing those concerns rather than reversing the process of globalization.
A large number of IIPA members, faculty members, research scholars and students from various disciplines from Department of Public Administration, Prof. Shelly Walia from Dept. of English and Cultural Studies and Prof. Santosh Gupta participated in the Panel Discussion The Panel Discussion was followed by number of questions raised by Mr. Mohammad Sohail, Mr. Sandeep Kumar. Dr. Bharati Garg and other participants, which were ably answered by the panelists.
Shri B.S. Ojha IAS (Retd.) Chairman of the Regional Branch in his presidential remarks concluded that Britain has lost the opportunity by deciding to exit E.U. and now it will have to bear the consequences of its exit including on its economy.