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EU exit bad for most British businesses, poll suggests

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Published 12 September 2013
27 comments
Tags
Brexit, CBI, in/out referendum, UK

Eight out of 10 British companies think pulling out of the European Union would be bad for business, according to a poll published today (12 September).

Talk of Britain breaking its 40-year ties with the EU gathered pace in January when Prime Minister David Cameron said he would negotiate a new role in Europe and hold a referendum by 2017 asking voters whether they wanted to stay in or leave.

Of 415 firms surveyed by the research company YouGov, 78% thought staying in the EU would be in their best interest. 10% thought it would be better to leave and 12% were not sure.

A separate poll on Tuesday (10 September) found that 43% of Britons would choose to leave the EU and 39% would opt to remain in if a referendum were held now. That was in line with other recent surveys that give the "out" camp a narrow lead.

In the YouGov poll for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the main employers' grouping, two-thirds of British companies thought leaving the EU would damage trade with European markets.

47% said it would make it harder to find skilled workers, while 3% said it would be easier. Just over half said it would harm competitiveness, against 15% who thought it would help.

The poll's findings will be questioned by Eurosceptics who think Britain's economy could thrive outside the EU, in part by negotiating new trade deals and by being more flexible.

The survey was conducted across Britain between June 13 and July 30 and sampled a range of companies of different sizes and in different sectors.

Positions: 

John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said: “This sends a clear message that most CBI members, big and small, support UK membership of the EU. Firms want what is best for jobs and growth, and there is genuine concern that an exit would hit business investment and access to the world’s largest trading bloc.”

“Businesses do have some serious concerns about the EU, but ultimately they want the UK inside the tent winning the argument for reform.”

Next steps: 
  • 2015: British elections
  • 2015: Possible referendum in the UK on EU membership
EurActiv.com with Reuters
External Links

Surveys & data

COMMENTS

  • Actually Britain has more than 415 businesses so the headine figure is delightfully misleading.
    The British Chamber of Commerce represents 100,000+ and their surveys of their members over the last two years show that while a small proportion do indeed want closer links with the EU, the vast majority want either an entirely looser relationship or an outright exit. These to are business people who want a good business environment and successful trade.
    The CBI has a long history of producing unreliable figures regarding the position of British business and the EU, not least in selectively selecting the firms that are included in their polls. I would additionally remind all readers that on the day David Cameron promised the referendum after renegotiation the head of the CBI supported him and went on to say that "the euro is not for us", in other words he coud not imagine us joining. That make me wonder what exactly the CBI see as the long term relationship of the UK with the EU given the central role of the euro in a more integrated EU.

    By :
    Iwantout
    - Posted on :
    12/09/2013

  • I'm sure we're more than capable of resolving any issues that may arise when we leave the EU. Infact, businesses will do rather well when all the rules and regulations have been curtailed. We have been trading globally for hundreds of years, the EU has been in existence for 50. Who do you think has the better experience? The truth is, we still have a relationship with the commonwealth and other English speaking ex colonies and the EU would rather like us to help them negotiate, so they can profit from our help.

    The question of our membership lies with its democratic illegitimacy. You cannot possibly expect any Briton to live under a foreign power, its just not BRITISH!

    By :
    Sue
    - Posted on :
    12/09/2013

  • It depends whether or not you put economics - and dubious scare stories - above independence and self rule. I'm prepared to take some pain in order to get out of Brussels' clutches.

    By :
    Charles_M
    - Posted on :
    12/09/2013

  • Charles, we will feel no pain, just a wave of relief that we can do business when we like, where we like and negotiate our own terms. How can that lead to anything but profit?

    We also save £50million a day going to this giant socialist construct which seems to be expanding daily.

    Freedom, Liberty and SELF DETERMINATION ARE HUMAN RIGHTS and we want ours back.

    By :
    Sue
    - Posted on :
    12/09/2013

  • Our demands:

    1. Recognition of our sovereignty: the peoples of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland comprise the ultimate authority of their nations and are the source of all political power. That fact shall be recognised by the Crown and the Governments of our nations, and our Parliaments and Assemblies;

    2. Real local democracy: the foundation of our democracy shall be the counties (or other local units as may be defined), which shall become constitutional bodies exercising under the control of their peoples all powers of legislation, taxation and administration not specifically granted by the people to the national government;

    3. Separation of powers: the executive shall be separated from the legislature. To that effect, prime ministers shall be elected by popular vote; they shall appoint their own ministers, with the approval of parliament, to assist in the exercise of such powers as may be granted to them by the sovereign people of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; no prime ministers or their ministers shall be members of parliament or any legislative assembly;

    4. The people’s consent: no law, treaty or government decision shall take effect without the consent of the majority of the people, by positive vote if so demanded, and that none shall continue to have effect when that consent is withdrawn by the majority of the people;

    5. No taxation or spending without consent: no tax, charge or levy shall be imposed, nor any public spending authorised, nor any sum borrowed by any national or local government except with the express approval the majority of the people, renewed annually on presentation of a budget which shall first have been approved by their respective legislatures;

    6. A constitutional convention: Parliament, once members of the executive are excluded, must host a constitutional convention to draw up a definitive codified constitution for the peoples of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It shall recognise their sovereign status and their inherent, inalienable rights and which shall be subject to their approval.

    The Harrogate Agenda - True Democracy!

    By :
    Sue
    - Posted on :
    12/09/2013

  • It is unlikely that the UK leaves the EU, not with the large number of positions held by Brits in the Commission and the large numbers of tenders and consultancies on a so called competition basis. If Brits leave there will be work for us... equally and more qualified incl UK degrees but not Brits.

    By :
    J. Camilleri
    - Posted on :
    12/09/2013

  • I think UK deserves a lesson from EU. Once most of UK motor industry is foreign owned - mostly by German companies, most of many other industries are owned by Eu companies as well. Their experience is worth nothing as with all of British experience whole manufacturing industry is foreign owned. Does UK wants to leave EU. Good luck. As I do support EU I also believe that whole EU owned production and banking sector should be transferred to continent. Yes it will cause massive disruptions but UK will not dictate us what is best. If UK is willing to live under Farage uprising neo-hitler guys, so be it. Europe should stop listen to these right wing dictators. UK depends to much on EU to dictate anything and if they want to leave - please let UK do it, but with all of consequences.

    By :
    Con Rad
    - Posted on :
    12/09/2013

  • Camilleri, sorry I don't understand your English.

    Con Rad, The industrial revolution began in Britain. European Human Rights Laws began in Britain. Infact :

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_British_inventions

    For a tiny insignificant little country, we have always been an innovative nation, but our freedom is vital to us. The EU does not offer us true democracy and that is more important than fat cat corporations making millions from shady deals.

    If you all hate Britain so much, why the hell are you all coming over to work and be educated? Stay away, we have enough talent and skilled workers available in India who all speak English!

    So, give us a lesson and like Iceland, we will do just fine, just as we have done for hundreds of years.

    You can believe what you want. Just remember we buy more from Europe than Europe buys from us. You stand to lose more, we will have the whole world to trade with while you wait 10 years for 27 members to negotiate a trade agreement that suits you all.

    By :
    Sue
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • I agree @Con Rad - Britain does need a lesson, it would teach us a lesson to be thrown out of the EU. I'm quite happy to face the consequences.

    It is ironic that you raise the spectre of Hitler - I always liked Mussolini's description of fascism "state corporatism".

    The above article depicts this so well - big business and the state ganging up on the people.

    Threats, blackmail, fear, uncertainty - what a glowing endorsement for democracy EU style.

    By :
    wg
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • J. Camilleri, Britain is seriously under represented in EU institutions despite being 17% of the total EU population. Only seven British candidates made the final stages of the Commission's recruitment program out of 323 available places last year. Britain's holds less than 1% of the positions within EU institutions & very few of those are actual positions of power.

    By :
    tony a
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • J. Camilleri, Britain is seriously under represented in EU institutions despite being 17% of the total EU population. Only seven British candidates made the final stages of the Commission's recruitment program out of 323 available places last year. Britain's holds less than 1% of the positions within EU institutions & very few of those are actual positions of power.

    By :
    tony a
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • J. Camilleri, Britain is seriously under represented in EU institutions despite being 17% of the total EU population. Only seven British candidates made the final stages of the Commission's recruitment program out of 323 available places last year. Britain's holds less than 1% of the positions within EU institutions & very few of those are actual positions of power.

    By :
    tony a
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • @ Con Rad

    The only German mass car manufacturer in the UK is BMW owned MINI. Rolls Royce (BMW) and Bentley (VAG) hardly count as mass manufacturers.

    The volume manufacturers in the UK are Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Vauxhall Motors (General Motors), TATA (Jaguar and Land Rover).

    If you can't get that right what does it say for the rest of your post?

    By :
    George Mc
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • I agree very much with Charles_M sentiments but believe that any disadvantage would be temporary and short term.

    The article is mischievous and Iwantout has nailed it in his post. The CBI is very much into multinational companies and does not in my opinion represent SME's.

    This article would have carried more clout if it had referred to the Institute of Directors.

    By :
    George Mc
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • And there we go - UKIP as always. But let me address George Mc - yes the only German manufacturer is BMW rest is Japanese. Government of Japan issued statement with concerns of UK leaving EU. You can find it on web page of Japanese Embassy in London. That is two then. Also recently general Motors closed down factory of vans near Southampton and transferred production to Turkey - with active support of EU. EU gave them 80 million pounds for whole process. Then from my field - almost every thing is German or French owned. You don't like criticism under your address - oh no you don't. Just as Sue mentioned - prefer Indians coming in at least they learn the language. Pure and typical for UKIP, RACISM and perfect product of Daily Mail and so like tabloids propaganda - that is what you represent Sue. I am part of EU citizens living and working in UK, and none of you UKIP arrogant's can insult me. May be english is not my first language, but at least I can go i.e. to Iceland and communicate with them in their language. Did I mention Iceland - yes your example and not very best one, because Iceland won 2 cod wars with UK and expanded their territorial waters to 270 NM. They also posses shallow geothermal waters so they don't need any fuel to produce energy and run turbines. Most of EU citizens are speaking English language just like myself, speaking more languages than one or two. But you still judge them by stereotype from tabloids - well done. Just because I do not speak your language perfectly you assume instantly I am second class human being. It was always like that - first Britain established conventions then was first to breach them. Few Hague few Geneva international conventions, but never nobody judged those who won. I don't think anybody would like these things to happen. But I like that you took the time to answer - looks like you are really on the things - mostly by attacking others personally. Well nothing more could be expected from UKIP racist.

    By :
    Con Rad
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • No Sue I wont let this go. Not when I have one of you on display so I quote you and answer:

    For a tiny insignificant little country, we have always been an innovative
    nation
    - One of those innovations was slave trade was it? Another was racism and discrimination - could you please remain me how many years Nelson Mandela spent in prison?

    but our freedom is vital to us
    - your freedom sure, but who is trying to take it away?

    The EU does not offer us true
    democracy and that is more important than fat cat corporations making millions from shady deals.
    - Charles De Gaulle was the person who initiated rejection of UK application for EU membership because he believed UK will not enter into agreements with rest of Europe without putting itself in to favourable position. So why on earth did your country join? To make more money from others?

    If you all hate Britain so much, why the hell are you all coming over to
    work
    and be educated? Stay away, we have enough talent and skilled workers
    available in India who all speak English!
    -Hate Britain? And rest is LOL just LOL. Almost 70 thousands arrived from outside of EU area. Yes at least EU citizens do not try to blow up something like your Pakistani new citizens. Rest I did addressed above - racism pure racism.

    So, give us a lesson and like Iceland, we will do just fine, just as we
    have
    done for hundreds of years.
    -Another LOL. Partly I did answer about question, but yes I can admit I used to live in Iceland as well. They do pay for visiting GP even if they are insured - it was 500 ISK when I did reside there. This is as bad and silly example as given by your fuhrer Farage - Norway.

    You can believe what you want. Just remember we buy more from Europe than
    Europe buys from us. You stand to lose more, we will have the whole world
    to trade with while you wait 10 years for 27 members to negotiate a trade
    agreement that suits you all

    - Yes exactly and that simplest economics UK buys more from EU so spends more than earns in relations with EU. But then again it is only because many manufacturers from EU produce in here for one simple reason - simpler tax system, and no custom charges on export to EU. Once this is gone - they will be gone as well. It is not only about people directly involved in trade it is also about producing things. And of course about Spain, which I am more than sure will close down the border to Gibraltar and charge for border. You must be blind - really blind Sue.
    Finally - I am more than sure that I can say this - EU citizens love Britain. It is Britain by UKIP that hates us. Good night

    By :
    Con Rad
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • @ Con Rad
    You do get angry when you get challenged for talking nonsense!

    I don't know how much of your rant above is directed at me. In general though it is not worthy of a response.

    What is it about Europeans who are afraid to admit where they come from and feel they have a right to take pop shots at the UK and dictate to UK citizens. Strange.

    Some anger management might help you through your issues.

    By :
    George Mc
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • George Mc - few words as an answer
    HUMAN RIGHTS - as these things affect me on daily basis so I have my right to speak out my mind
    EQUALITY - as you are not better than me regardless of who lives where.
    I know you don't like Human Rights Court in Strasbourgh as you don't like that things do not happen in your favour. Equality is always when it works for you, but when it does not then it is against national interest. So before you will be talking about anger management I would suggest to look up closely at own sins - then lecture others.

    By :
    Con Rad
    - Posted on :
    13/09/2013

  • @ Con Rad

    You know absolutely nothing about me. You do have issues though which need addressing. Read your posts back in the cold light of day and see what I mean.

    By :
    George Mc
    - Posted on :
    14/09/2013

  • If the UK wants to leave the EU, let them go. GoGoGo!!!
    I think, the reality is that Mr.Camaron is bargaining. In 2015 they have national votes and the EU-Referendum shall be hold in 2017!? Who believes that Mr.Cameron will be prime Minister in 2017?

    Besides all that, i like the UK and the People there. I like the Pubs, the beer, the culture, the Music and all that.

    But don´t let the door hit you on the way out.

    By :
    I support the EU
    - Posted on :
    14/09/2013

  • @ I support the EU

    "Besides all that, i like the UK and the People there. I like the Pubs, the beer, the culture, the Music and all that."

    Thats sweet! Don't worry though you can still come back as a tourist.

    "But don´t let the door hit you on the way out."

    We are not going anywhere, same place just different rules!

    By :
    George Mc
    - Posted on :
    14/09/2013

  • Yes just like you don't know me George. Beside - on UK motor industry - what about Vauxhall, well actually is Opel, which was repossesed by German gov and splited from General Motors. Then is what lorries - ERF - they actually are Volvo.

    Europe is not hostile towards UK. It is actually UK hostile. You so hostile so you can't even abscond from comments on European way of clapping during Wimbledon championships. Yes it have happened during Radwanska game on BBC. And how hypocritical you look like while remebering Dr. Martin Luther King and spreading prejudices against eastern Europeans, and treat hostile Europe. I am a citizen of Europe I did not move to UK because of economic reasons, rather than race discrimination. I love Europe - and yes vote and leave us in peace. You don't accept equality between us - well there is plenty of you on continent to be sent back with exactly same kick. Listen to your neo nazi Farage, without questioning. Funny thing is on immigration as even myself as humble engineer found EU directive on host member state rights in expelling and deny access to own territory for citizens of another member state. Is simple and easy to implement in order to implement border control. Sure one thing and last but is not least - we know you not going anywhere. EU is not planing invasion not throwing anybody out of their country.
    I love Europe and EU, and thanks to them from just national I became citizen of Europe, and it does not contradicts with my national feelings.

    By :
    Con Rad
    - Posted on :
    15/09/2013

  • I agree with @Con Rad but what i didn't know is that bunch of rhetoric comments posted against the European Union

    @ George about cars manufacturing!Not only Honda Vauxhall/Opel or BWM but a lot car UK manufacturers....would devastate the British economies because they would leave non-profitable the UK.
    About Morgan , Lotus , Rolls Royce ..Indeed a nice car ...but who wanted a left seated one with high export fees an non-standardized ??
    A lot of banks(GS confirmed) and 7000 of workforces at a minimum as mentioned already will left the city of london
    In that case i would urge Scotland joining the EU or sink itself down together in a booty hole burnout.

    By :
    an european
    - Posted on :
    15/09/2013

  • Con Rad
    I am very sorry but you are too rambling and all over the place. I am spoilt for choice finding interesting people to debate with. A meaningful discussion with you is impossible!
    The thread is:"EU exit bad for most British businesses, poll suggests" Try and stick to it.
    You off to a great start you say quote Beside - on UK motor industry - what about Vauxhall, well actually is Opel, which was repossesed by German gov and splited from General Motors.Unquote Just search the internet and you will find it is still owned by GM.

    "Europe is not hostile towards UK." No and I never said it was, all the posters on here are saying is that we would rather run our own affairs. Try and keep up.
    Your say Quote You so hostile so you can't even abscond from comments on European way of clapping during Wimbledon championships. Yes it have happened during Radwanska game on BBC. Unquote.

    What is all that about?

    Quote And how hypocritical you look like while remebering Dr. Martin Luther King and spreading prejudices against eastern Europeans, and treat hostile Europe Unquote.

    What is all that about?

    With the greatest of respect you need to go and seek some professional help. You have too many serious issues that you need to confront.

    I hope you will accept my best wishes for your future but must point out that I will not be engaging any further.
    Regards

    By :
    George Mc
    - Posted on :
    15/09/2013

  • Rambling? Well here is a link on behaviour of your British MEP'S in European Parliament and you know what? No wonder why you are out voted and nobody want to listen to such extremists in the parliament. Enjoy your politicians and yes Bloom - he is not even English or British he is Jewish (in his system of principles of course).
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw4Qk-xwaok

    By :
    Con Rad
    - Posted on :
    15/09/2013

  • @ an european

    What is it about me tonight? Has everyone else buggered and left me in charge of the 'Funny Farm'?

    Help!!!!!!

    We were selling left hand drive bespoke Rolls Royce long before we joined the EU.

    Why don't you converse with Con Rad and see if you can work out your issues together.

    By :
    George Mc
    - Posted on :
    15/09/2013

  • The thing is Europeans do work together and do try to work out the issues instead of accusing others to be fascist just because they are from Germany. This reflects straight to to the point of equality and Dr.Martin Luther King. He did fight for equality of black people in USA, but just like Nelson Mandela he also did fight for equality of white people nit revenge on white race. As per Equality Human Rights Act of UK parliament as race is considered not only colour of skin, sex or religion. Considered as race it is also nationality. By discriminating eastern Europeans, either directly or indirectly you are a racist in meaning in the laws on of your own country. Yet discrimination can take so many different forms. Some of them are not as simple as calling some one directly "fucking foreigner". Some have more sufisticated form - like little comment here and there - i.e. BBC during tennis match. This has direct link to what Dr.Martin Luther King fought against - RACISM. So much for great George Mc - the man who does not knowns the laws of his own country, neither history of fight against racism and meanings of this word.

    - I will spare you on the rest of your racist delusions my dear George. Go back to your little England.

    By :
    Con Rad
    - Posted on :
    15/09/2013

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Background: 

A potential British exit from the European Union came to the top of the political agenda in January when Prime Minister David Cameron said that Britain must use the upheaval created by the eurozone crisis to forge a new relationship with the European Union.

>> Read: Cameron takes gamble with in/out EU referendum pledge

Britain has negotiated a number of opt-outs from key EU policy areas since its accession in 1973. The country is not part of the eurozone and has not signed the free-border Schengen Treaty and does not want to abide by a number of EU police and judicial cooperation rules.

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