CBI says members 'overwhelmingly' back staying in EU

Influential business lobby group the CBI has revealed that an “overwhelming majority” of its members want Britain to remain in the European Union.

The Confederation of Business Industry (CBI) said that after extensive polling and discussion through its ranks the message back from members had been “resounding”.

Director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said: “Four in five of CBI’s members, who employ nearly 7 million people – about a third of all private sector employees – and speak for tens of thousands of companies of all sectors and sizes across the UK, have told us it is best for their business, jobs and the prosperity of our country to remain in the EU.

“What is clear is that, for the overwhelming majority, guaranteed access to a tariff-free market of 500 million people and to more than 50 global trade deals brings advantages that outweigh the frustrations. The risks to jobs and growth of leaving are not worth taking.”

For those members wishing to leave, Fairbairn added that the CBI would continue to campaign for EU reform “to get a better deal for all businesses”. But the group’s main focus in the run-up to the June 23 referendum would be to make “the economic case for remaining”.

The CBI will not align with any of the existing campaigns, such as the Boris Johnson-backed ‘Vote Leave’ group or ‘Britain Stronger in Europe’ led by former Marks and Spencer boss Stuart Rose.