MAG and Siemens chiefs back anti-Brexit campaign

THE chief executives of Manchester Airports Group and Siemens are among 200 leading company bosses who are believe a possible British exit (Brexit) from the European Union, will damage the economy.

Charlie Cornish and Juergen Maier are among the chief executives and chairmen of businesses employing 1.2 million people, who have written to The Times, stating: “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.

“Business needs unrestricted access to the European market of 500 million people in order to continue to grow, invest and create jobs. We believe that leaving the EU would deter investment, threaten jobs and put the economy at risk. Britain will be stronger, safer and better off remaining a member of the EU.”

Charlie Cornish added:”The EU has benefitted UK consumers and businesses enormously over the last 25 years by opening up the European aviation market to provide greater competition and choice.

“UK airlines now compete successfully on routes right across Europe, taking full advantage of the ‘open skies’ created by the EU.

“In addition to a greater choice of destinations and lower fares, European travellers have also gained in other ways, including safer and more secure travel, the abolition of mobile phone roaming charges, reciprocal health agreements and protection when flights are disrupted.

“Inside the EU Britain can continue to grow, invest and create jobs and I believe it would be in the best interests of the millions of passengers using our airports every year, and the UK economy, for Britain to remain in a reformed Europe.”

As well as MAG, the chief executives of Heathrow and Gatwick Airports have signed the letter, along with Michael O’Leary of Ryanair and easyJet boss Carolyn McCall.

Sir Roger Carr, chairman of defence giant BAE Systems, one of the region’s largest employers, is another signatory along with the bosses or JaguarLand Rover and Unilver – both major employers in the North West.