A survey, conducted with businesses in Sedgefield by Phil Wilson MP, reveals 86% of respondents favour continued EU membership. Most want change, as do those campaigning for in.
Overwhelmingly, the majority of respondents, collectively employing over 4000 people, believe the benefits outweigh the costs. Many raised concerns for their future in the North East, should voters opt to leave.
The EU was by far the largest trading partner amongst respondents, with over 65% dealing directly with the EU, to buy or sell their goods or services.
Of those favouring continued membership, 75% want change. 31% said they would support continued membership if reforms were made, whilst 44% wanted some powers transferred back to the UK.
52% of businesses, employing over 2500 people, considered their employment capacity and overall future of their business to be at risk should voters opt to leave.
Only 3% believed that leaving the EU would have a positive effect on business.
Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield and chair of the pro-EU group of Labour MPs, said: “The EU referendum is a generation defining decision. What the results of this survey have made clear, is there is overwhelming support for continued EU membership.”
“Unmistakably, leaving the EU would deal a huge blow to both businesses and the hard-working people they employ. It is clear that opting out of the EU would affect future investment in the area. Respondents of the survey covered just over 4000 direct jobs, to say over 2500 of these, that’s 62%, will be at risk if the UK opts to leave, is frightening.”
“But it is evident that people want change, and I cannot disagree with them. Those campaigning to stay in the EU do not disagree either. But to reform, we have to be part of the conversation. To sit on the side lines, outside of the EU, we deny ourselves a voice.”