Division over Britain’s EU membership widens
Britain's business community remains divided over Brexit as a referendum on whether to stay in or leave the EU is getting closer.
With less than four months until the vote, the car industry has backed the remain-campaign. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says three-quarters of its members support staying in the EU.
A survey conducted by independent pollster ComRes for the SMMT found the vast majority of car firms as saying that Brexit would have a negative impact on them. Just nine percent argued that leaving would be the best option, while 14 percent were uncertain.
"The message from UK Automotive is clear - being in Europe is vital for the future of this industry and to secure jobs, investment and growth," Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive said.
British employees for German carmaker BMW have also reportedly received a letter from their bosses warning of the Brexit dangers.
Meanwhile, anti-EU group has published an open letter signed by the heads of more than 200 small businesses urging Britons to vote to leave.
"As entrepreneurs, we deal with the EU's constant diet of unnecessary regulations which add to our cost base, reduce our bottom line, and raise prices for our customers for no return," the letter read.
The head of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has also reportedly followed the suit. "We have the capacity and capability to create a bright, if not brighter, economic future outside of the EU," John Longworth was quoted in British media as saying.
The costs and benefits of EU membership for the British economy will be a key issue in the referendum on June 23. The vote will decide whether Britain will remain in the EU. Prime Minister David Cameron is leading the battle to keep the country in the 28-nation bloc.
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