Wrangling on Europe ‘hurting businesses’ says EEF

NORTH West manufacturers’ group EEF has questioned the Prime Minister’s handling of the controversial debate over UK membership of the EU.

The organisation claims the  the current debate is “letting British business down” with politicians making claims that the EU isn’t working for Britain rather than focusing on how to make it work better.

At the weekend two senior Conservative cabinet ministers, defence secretary Philip Hammond and education secretary Michael Gove, said they would vote to quit the EU if a poll was held straight away.

The EEF spoke out ahead of the vote on an amendment in Parliament on an EU referendum.
 
It wants David Cameron to lead a debate which will provide an informed choice for British businesses, those working for them and, current and potential investors.
 
David Ost, EEF’s North West director, said: ““Our future relationship with Europe is crucial for British business, those who work for them and those companies considering investing here. They deserve better than our politicians past and present lining up to say things aren’t working and that a vote is needed now.
 
“We need a debate based, as far as possible, on evidence to help the British public make an informed choice about what they could gain from a reformed Europe.
 
“In January the Prime Minister promised to promote the benefits of the Single Market and work with like-minded states in Europe to create a union focused on growth, competitiveness and job creation.  Whatever their views, the rest of his party must commit themselves 100% to this approach for the benefit of Britain.”

Despite the economic difficulties in the euro zone, the EU remains the UK’s leading trading partner.