Campaign to keep Britain in the EU blasted for being 'negative' and 'based on fear'
THE campaign to keep Britain in the European Union was slated yesterday for being “negative” and “based on fear” as it held its official launch.
The former Marks & Spender boss said staying in the EU was the patriotic choice, not leaving it
Leaders of Britain Stronger in Europe said leaving the EU would hit the economy, imperil maternity leave rights and make the UK a magnet for rapists and murderers.
Chairman Lord (Stuart) Rose, the former Marks & Spencer boss, added that seeking to leave the EU was not “patriotic”.
Lord Rose said leaving the EU could put Britain’s “prosperity, safety and influence” at risk. Citing controversial claims that three million jobs are linked to EU membership, he also quoted CBI estimates that being in is worth £3,000 a year to every UK household, against the average £340-per-family membership fee.
Nigel Farage said he was turning the argument on its head
Lord Rose also cited claims that 3 million jobs would be at risk if Britain left the EU
UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage accused Lord Rose of “deliberately” confusing Europe with the EU.
To argue that his is the ‘patriotic’ position is turning the truth on its head
He added: “To argue that his is the ‘patriotic’ position is turning the truth on its head.”
Maternity rights came from the European Social Chapter, it was said, and leaving the EU meant “every piece of legislation” would need to be reassessed.
And former Association of Chief Police Officers president Sir Hugh Orde told the launch that the UK outside the EU would attract foreign “villains” evading justice because it would no longer be in European swift extradition and evidence-sharing deals.
The Labour MP said the campaign was negative
“That’s not scaremongering, it’s simply the fact,” said Sir Hugh.
But Labour MP Kate Hoey blasted the launch, saying “It is a negative campaign based on fear.” A BSiE spokesman last night denied opponents’ suggestions it got funding from the European Union.