Britain must stay in the EU. That was the message from British manufacturers to the Government today in a report which calls for the UK to remain part of the EU in order to help secure jobs and economic growth.
The survey by manufacturers’ association EEF, which represents 6000 firms of all sizes across the UK, found that 85% of its members would vote to remain in the EU. Manufacturers said EU membership is critical to exports and that the economic benefits far outweigh concerns about regulation. A third said that if the UK was to leave the EU, they would be less likely to increase investment in Britain
Liberal Democrat MEP Edward McMillan-Scott commented:
“The message from manufacturers is clear: in Europe, in work. Thousands of manufacturing jobs across the Yorkshire region are linked to our exports to Europe. Our priority should be creating even more jobs, not putting them at risk by pulling out.
Fellow Liberal Democrat MEP, Rebecca Taylor, added,
“Liberal Democrats are determined that Britain should take the lead in Europe, not sit on the sidelines. Reforming the EU to open new opportunities for British firms, both in Europe and the rest of the world, could create tens of thousands more jobs and unleash billions of pounds worth of economic growth.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable added:
“Here is one of our leading, non-political employer organisations – the voice of the makers of Britain – making it unambiguously clear that it would be damaging to growth if we left or even formulated proposals to leave the EU.
“Our focus must remain on making the case for Britain being strong in Europe as millions of British jobs depend on it.”