Branson warns against British EU exit
A British exit from the European Union would be ‘very bad’ for British business and for the economy, said Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson.
Writing in his New Year blog, the founder of the Virgin Group said global business relies on large trading agreements created by regions, not by countries.
"The EU is the UK’s biggest trading partner. Its combined market dwarfs the US and China. For that reason alone, the UK must stay in to help rebuild the EU," he wrote.
"Obviously Europe has had difficulties, but so has America and most other countries in the world. The tough medicine that countries like Ireland, Spain and Portugal have given themselves will result in Europe being in far better shape than America in a few years’ time."
Looking ahead, he said Britain must be at the centre to help the EU forge new partnerships with the emerging markets of Latin America and Asia – and to renew and extend our relationships with the US and Canada.
"Those powerful economies want to trade with a market of 500 million people and not the UK’s 60 million," said Branson.
"The UK must not become a peripheral country on the edge of Europe. This will be damaging to long-term prospects of British business and also in the country’s ability to attract new international companies to set up and employ people in the country."
He urged the British government to get together with Germany to restructure Europe. "We are in a position where if we take a positive approach, Germany and ourselves could be the key two countries to the restructure of Europe.
"Unless we do all this, Britain could be an island completely adrift in 20 years."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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