Goldman Sachs boss Lloyd Blankfein champions the idea of second Brexit referendum in latest tweet
Lloyd Blankfein, the chief executive of US investment bank Goldman Sachs, has suggested that the UK should hold a second referendum on Brexit in his latest foray into the political arena on Twitter.
Mr Blankfein is an infrequent tweeter, having posted only 26 times, but has had a dig at Brexit - either directly or indirectly - on four occasions.
In his latest comments, Mr Blankfein said: “Here in UK, lots of hand-wringing from CEOs over #Brexit. Better sense of the tough and risky road ahead.
“Reluctant to say, but many wish for a confirming vote on a decision so monumental and irreversible. So much at stake, why not make sure consensus still there?”
His comments come as the City’s calls for swift clarity on the terms of Brexit to prevent the triggering of relocation plans intensifies.
Here in UK, lots of hand-wringing from CEOs over #Brexit. Better sense of the tough and risky road ahead. Reluctant to say, but many wish for a confirming vote on a decision so monumental and irreversible. So much at stake, why not make sure consensus still there?
— Lloyd Blankfein (@lloydblankfein) November 16, 2017
The Bank of England warned this month that up to 10,000 jobs could be lost on day one of Brexit if no deal is struck.
Earlier this week fellow City firms JP Morgan and Prudential told a House of Lords committee they had already begun putting their relocation plans in motion.
JP Morgan said it had begun telling affected staff if they are required to move to Ireland, Germany or Luxembourg. Prudential is moving some of its funds to Luxembourg.
In his previous tweet Mr Blankfein posted a picture of the investment bank's new European headquarters, which is being built in central London, accompanied by the suggestion it may have to lie partially empty.
He said: "In London. GS still investing in our big new Euro headquarters here. Expecting/hoping to fill it up, but so much outside our control. #Brexit"
An earlier tweet suggested the City of London could lose out on business to Frankfurt, when he said: "Just left Frankfurt. Great meetings, great weather, really enjoyed it. Good, because I'll be spending a lot more time there. #Brexit"
On Wednesday, Mr Blankfein tweeted from France: "Struck by the positive energy here in Paris. Strong govt and biz leaders are committed to economic reform and are well thru the first steps. And the food's good too!" However, the tweet was not accompanied by the hashtag #Brexit.
Goldman Sachs employs 6,000 staff in the UK and has previously said it may have to shift employees out of the country to European hubs if clarity about Britain's future trading status with the EU is not forthcoming.
The Wall Street bank recently signed a lease for floorspace in Marienturm tower in Frankfurt's financial district with space for up to 1,000 staff. It currently only has 200 employees in the city.
