PRESS RELEASE : Karren Brady – British Families Better Off in Europe

The press release issued by Stronger In on 12 October 2015.

Karren Brady, a Board Member of Britain Stronger in Europe, has written an important article in The Sun explaining why British families are stronger, safer and better off in Europe:

“The EU referendum question is: will Britain be stronger in or out of Europe?

For me the answer is clear: British families, consumers and businesses are stronger in than out.

But I know many Sun readers want to be convinced. Europe is not perfect – no partnership is – so we must show the benefits outweigh the costs.

Europe is our largest trading partner. 45% of our exports go there, worth £226 billion last year. 200,000 businesses trade with Europe. European trade supports millions of British jobs. £70 million of investment come to Britain from Europe every day. And a bigger market has driven down prices for consumers, for example cheaper flights.

Why put all this at risk?

Those campaigning to walk away and stand alone – like Nigel Farage and Daniel Hannan – cannot guarantee jobs and living standards will be protected if we leave.

They have simply got it wrong when they say they want Britain to be like Norway. Norway is outside the EU but has trading rights. Sounds good? But in exchange Norway has to accept EU rules – including free movement of people – but has no power to influence them. They pay millions into the EU budget too. It’s the worst of all worlds.

This is also why EU-exit is not an answer to people’s concerns about immigration. If you want access to free trade with Europe, free movement is part of the deal.

Of course the system can be tightened. So it is essential to be in the room at the top table arguing for change – as the Prime Minister is rightly doing.

This campaign cannot be about scare stories. We do not support joining the Euro or a Euro Army. Neither are on the ballot paper or even on the horizon.

We want to strengthen the pound in your pocket – and we will make sure the Queen’s face remains on it.

Britain can be proud and prosperous from within Europe. If countries such as Germany, France and Denmark can hack it, why can’t we?

Yes, we must fight for Europe to work better in Britain’s interests, but weakly walking away is out of character for a country with our history.

We have a bigger vision: leading in Europe while trading around the world.

That’s why we are asking you to vote to keep Britain in and make British families stronger, safer and better off.”