British Business wants the EU

‘We believe this balance of competences to be broadly appropriate.’ - The British Chambers of Commerce.

‘SMMT believes that the balance of competences between the EU and UK on trade and investment is right.’ - The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

‘[We] see no advantages in altering the current balance of competences in this area’. - The Scotch Whisky Association.

‘We have no doubt that there are significant advantages in the EU negotiating on Trade and Investment matters with other countries on behalf of the EU as a whole. Britain’s interests are best served in this case by being part of a 500 million plus bloc of consumers rather than negotiating such agreements on

its own.'- The Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe.

‘Operating as part of a trading bloc strengthens both the UK and Europe’s bargaining power and ability to lower trade barriers and support investment.’ ‘[...] so competence at the EU level remains in the interests of the UK.’ ‘Repatriation of trade policy competences would threaten the integrity of the Internal Market.’ - Engineering Employers Federation and UK Steel.

‘EU States combined offer a far more attractive package to international partners that the UK does alone.’ - TUC.

‘A large majority of respondents endorsed ... belonging to a larger sphere of influence, such as the EU.’ - Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

‘Competence over international trade and investment negotiations should remain with the EU.’ - Lloyd’s.

‘the UK’s trade and investment potential is strengthened by its membership of the EU and that the EU is likewise made stronger by the membership of the UK.’ - The British Irish Chamber of Commerce.

‘We would not wish to see our ability to tailor our approach to supporting investment and trade weakened through any changes to the balance of competences in this area.’ - Welsh Government.

‘The EU’s Common Commercial Policy has been a success story for the UK:

Trade partners want access to the entire EU Single Market: negotiating as a bloc gives the EU added power;

The UK has successfully influenced EU trade policy’s open market objectives.’ - TheCityUK.

‘With regard to trade and investment the EU should be regarded as a resource which should be supported to the full.’ - The British Ceramic Confederation.

Just a sample of the overwhelmingly pro-EU sentiments submitted to the Government's review of EU competences. Most striking are the costs that will burden UK businesses should we leave the EU.

A full copy can be downloaded at www.tech.dmu.ac.uk/~eg/EU