FTSE-100 bosses to warn leaving EU will put UK economy at risk
BRITAIN leaving the European Union (EU) would put the UK’s economy at risk, top business bosses are set to warn.
FTSE-100 bosses are calling to remain in the EU
Chairmen or chief executives from companies including Vodafone, GlaxoSmithKline, easyJet and BT Group are expected to be some of the signatories on a letter due to be published on Tuesday which will say a Brexit will “deter investment and threat jobs”.
It will praise the reforms to Britain’s EU membership secured by Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday for Europe to “deepen the single market and to sign off crucial international trade deals”.
We believe that leaving the EU would deter investment and threaten jobs
Downing Street officials are understood to have seen and agreed with the letter, seen by Sky News.
It will be the largest boost from the business community for Mr Cameron’s EU reform deal struck in Brussels.
David Cameron is campaigning to remain in the EU
Between a third and half of bosses of FTSE-100 companies are likely to sign the letter, sources told Sky News.
They include: Sir Andrew Witty, chief executive of GlaxoSmithKline, Vittorio Colao, Vodafone’s chief executive, Carolyn McCall, head of easyJet, Sir Roger Carr, chairman of BAE Systems, Sir Martin Sorrell, WPP Group chief executive, Sir Mike Rake, chairman of WorldPay and Gavin Patterson, BT Group chief executive.
David Cameron confirms EU Referendum
A source who has seen the letter, revealed it will say: “We run businesses representing every sector and region of the United Kingdom.
"Together we employ hundreds of thousands of people across the country.
"Following the Prime Minister's renegotiation, we believe that Britain is better off staying in a reformed European Union.
"He has secured a commitment from the EU to reduce the burden of regulation, deepen the single market and to sign off crucial international trade deals.
"Businesses like ours need unrestricted access to the European market of 500m people in order to continue to grow, invest and create jobs.
Bosses of companies expected to sign the letter employ tens of thousands of people in the UK
Fears Boris Johnson's decision to support a Brexit have raised concerns
"We believe that leaving the EU would deter investment and threaten jobs.
"It would put the economy at risk.
"Britain will be stronger, safer and better off remaining a member of the European Union."
The news comes as bookmakers slashed the odds of the UK leaving the EU from 5/2 to 2/1 after London Mayor Boris Johnson announced he will be campaigning for a Brexit.
His decision is seen as having a big sway factor for voters sitting on the fence after Mr Cameron announced on Saturday an EU referendum will take place on June 23.