Yorks and Europe better together says former M&S boss

Writing exclusively in The Yorkshire Post, Lord Rose – head of the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign – says voters here must not accept “vague visions” of Britain’s future outside of the EU.

He also says there is evidence that David Cameron is beginning to win the argument for EU reform.

“Europe is already doing the right things, in becoming less bureaucratic and more focused on creating jobs and helping consumers,” writes Lord Rose.

“I took this job because I know that being in Europe is best for Yorkshire and the whole of Britain, now and into the future. Our place in Europe creates jobs, lowers prices, and widens opportunities.”

His comments come after an international survey of wealth and happiness revealed that Britain’s economic performance now outstrips all major European Union countries and it is now one of the best places in the world to start up a business.

Government policies aimed at getting people into work in the wake of the financial crash have led to “incredible” results, according to the Legatum Institute. But the UK’s overall ranking in the think tank’s annual prosperity index, which looks at finances and well-being in 142 countries, has slipped to 15th, down from 13th last year. The think-tank puts the improved performance down to the ease of starting a business in Britain as well as the number of people in full-time employment.