Responding to the survey published by the British Chamber of Commerce on Britain’s place in Europe, Lucy Thomas, Campaign Director of Business for New Europe, said:
“The overwhelming majority of British business leaders want to see the UK remain inside a reformed European Union, and focus on cutting down red tape and streamlining the institutions, not put jobs and growth at risk by walking away.
“But the results of this survey by the BCC are a stark reminder that businesses would not carry on as normal if we left the largest market in the world. Nearly half of the businesses surveyed say that if Britain were to leave, it would have a negative impact on their ability to grow, with only 14 per cent saying it would be beneficial.
“Business leaders know that a British exit from Europe is not a risk worth taking: we still face a tough economic climate so it makes no sense to put jobs and investment in jeopardy here in the UK.
"Businesses have a vital part to play in this referendum debate, making clear the impacts and implications of Britain shutting itself off from its largest trade partner. Businesses are stronger because of our EU membership and it is right that they should have their say.”
/ends
Notes to Editors:
In a recent survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants:
- 76% of their members said they favour the UK remaining in the EU
- 51% said a British exit would have a negative impact on their organisation
- 7% say it would have a positive impact on their organisation
In a recent survey conducted by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators:
- 63% of FTSE-350 companies believe a British exit from Europe would damage their business
- 3% believe a British exit would have a positive impact on their business
In a recent survey conducted by Deloitte:
- 74% of FTSE finance directors said they believe it is in the interests of British business to stay in the EU
- 91% said they believe the UK’s export performance has benefited from EU membership
- 89% say Britain has attracted foreign direct investment due to EU membership
Business for New Europe
http://www.businessforneweurope.org/