Regional economies under threat if UK votes for Brexit claims Core Cities
THE lobby group representing the interests of the UK’s largest cities outside London has said the economies of the various areas would be put at severe risk if Britain opts to leave the EU.
In an open letter signed by the leaders of the various local authorities – which includes Birmingham – Core Cities UK said it believed the UK had to stay part of the Single Market.
The letter states: “Leaving (the EU) would be a grave threat to our local economies, risking people’s jobs and livelihoods.
“If we vote for Brexit, it will be those at the sharp end – working people, not the leaders of the leave campaign, who will pay the price.
“For those that believe the EU can work better for Britain, we agree, but people must choose reform not retreat.”
It said a vote for Remain represented a vote for prosperity and progress for Britain’s cities, whereas a vote to leave heralded serious economic danger.
“It is simply not worth the risk,” it continues.
“Across our 10 cities and their surrounding regions, EU membership has created 63,000 jobs and protected another 16,800. It has provided £1.8bn of investment to help grow our urban economies, including vital infrastructure from tram lines to trunk roads.
“Together, our urban areas already deliver more than half the UK economy, and it is obvious to us that the economic fortunes of our great cities and the millions of people who live in them are closely linked to the future of the Continent and its cities.
“It is helping to transform our cities’ transport networks, making it easier and quicker to get to work.”
It said cultural integration, social cohesion and addressing inequality by making sure more people could benefit from economic growth were among the greatest challenges facing the UK.
“These are global challenges of connection and cooperation. We cannot hope to meet them by becoming detached and disengaged,” adds the letter.
“For us the choice is clear. If our cities are to continue to grow and prosper, we must remain a member of the European Union.”
Those signing the letter are:
Cllr John Clancy
Leader, Birmingham City Council
Mayor Marvin Rees
Mayor of Bristol
Cllr Phil Bale
Leader of Cardiff City Council
Cllr Frank McAveety
Leader of Glasgow City Council
Mayor Joe Anderson
Mayor of Liverpool
Cllr Judith Blake
Leader, Leeds City Council
Cllr Sir Richard Leese
Leader, Manchester City Council; Chair, Core Cities UK Cabinet
Cllr Nick Forbes
Leader, Newcastle City Council
Cllr Jon Collins
Leader, Nottingham City Council
Cllr Julie Dore
Leader, Sheffield City Council
Its publication coincides with a new survey by members of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, which has also come down in favour of remaining in Europe.
The poll showed 51% of members favoured staying in the EU, with 39% supporting Brexit and 10% undecided.
The results mirror closely a national poll undertaken by the British Chambers of Commerce which showed 54% in favour of staying in the EU, 37% wishing to leave and 8% undecided.
Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “While national polls have narrowed, our own research shows a slight leaning towards a ‘remain’ vote amongst the local business community.
“Many businesses we speak to do have significant concerns about the referendum. Those involved in property and investment in the city in particular anecdotally point to a significant number of new deals being put on hold, pending the result.
“If these come through post-referendum, we could be on course for a strong year for Birmingham. If the outcome, and, crucially, the Government’s handling of it, results in a loss of confidence amongst investors, it could be deeply unsettling for the city-region.”
