#umfg #EEF #engineering Manufacturers are calling on the Prime Minister “to hold good his promise of leading a proper, informed debate about Britain’s relationship with the EU.”
The EEF believes that the current debate concerning the UK’s dealings with the EU is “letting British business down, with politicians making claims that the EU isn’t working for Britain rather than focusing on how to make it work better.” Instead, the EEF is urging David Cameron to lead a debate that will provide “an informed choice for British businesses, those working for them, and current and potential investors.
EEF chief executive Terry Scuoler (pictured) said: “Our future relationship with Europe is crucial for British businesses, their employees and companies considering investing here. They deserve better than our politicians past and present lining up to say that things aren’t working and that a vote is needed now. We need a debate that gives the British public the evidence to make an informed choice about what it could gain from a reformed Europe.
“In January, the PM promised to promote the benefits of the Single Market and work with like-minded states in Europe to create a union focused on growth, competitiveness and job creation. Whatever their views, the rest of his party must commit themselves 100% to this approach for the benefit of Britain.”
Meanwhile, the Minister for Trade and Investment has joined the debate, saying that he would not back a UK exit from the European Union. Speaking during a visit to valve manufacturer ChargePoint in Liverpool last week, Lord Green said he agreed with the approach taken by the PM, adding that significant EU reform was needed.
He said: “Britain needs Europe, and Europe needs Britain. There is some way to go, because the Single Market doesn’t apply in all sectors of activity, but turning our back on Europe would be absolute nonsense.”
The minister also outlined a wish to work on an EU-US trade deal that would remove tariff fees and create a much more open market between the two. He emphasised that this would be “a near-enough impossible goal for Britain to achieve on its own”, so staying in the EU would be vital to benefit from such an agreement.