Britain is better off in EU, warn business chiefs

According to the CBI, each household in Yorkshire and the Humber benefits by up to £3,000 a year through the UK’s membership.

It says more than half of goods exported from the region are destined for Europe – and although the UK could survive outside the EU “none of the alternatives offer a better deal”.

The business group, which holds its national conference in London today, is calling for a number of reforms, including removing barriers to e-commerce, becoming more outward-looking, and re-focusing the work of EU commissioners.

The CBI said business also wanted a moratorium on legislation which could be made at national level, and a permanent UK opt-out from the Working Time Directive.

Director general John Cridland said: “We have looked beyond the political rhetoric to examine the pros and cons of EU membership and British business is unequivocal – the Single Market is fundamental to our future.

“We are better off in a reformed EU than outside with no influence. Each year, membership is worth £3,000 to every household in this country.

“But the EU isn’t perfect and there is a growing unease about the creeping extension of EU authority.

“Europe has to become more open, competitive and outward-looking if we are to grow and create opportunities and jobs for all our citizens.”

Mr Cridland said closer union of the Eurozone was “not for Britain”, and after next year’s European elections the new Parliament and Commission has to reverse the growing sense of Brussels “mission creep”.

But he said contrary to popular myth, the UK “is influential in the corridors of Brussels and will still be as long as we play our cards right”.

The CBI says EU membership costs around £116 per person, but the expense is dwarfed by the benefits.

They argue alternative options would leave the UK following market rules decided by others, rather than having an influence in setting the rules.

Following Norway and Switzerland’s example, they claim would consign Britain to the margins of “the world’s largest trading bloc, operating under market rules over which is has little or no influence and in the Norwegian scenario, still paying the bills.”

Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said: “This compelling report makes a powerful business case for the UK’s continued membership of the EU.

“EU membership is one of the reasons why Britain is an attractive place to invest, as businesses in India told me last week.

“Liberal Democrats know that we are all better off with Britain in Europe.

“We can only build a stronger economy working together with our neighbours, exerting maximum influence in our continent and leading the reform agenda as the most liberal economy in Europe.”

Shadow Minister for Europe Gareth Thomas said: “The CBI’s report clearly shows that the business community doesn’t want to see Britain sleepwalk out of the EU.

“Despite this report making clear that British business wants us in Europe, the Tory Party still wants David Cameron to take us out.

“Labour believes that a commitment to staying at the heart of the EU, along with a clear programme of deliverable reforms is the best course for Britain.”