This in from Nicholas Belfitt (Vice-Chair Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats & Chair of IOW Liberal Youth). Ed

The Isle of Wight Liberal Democrat INtogether campaign has this week asked more Island businesses to come out in support of remaining in the EU.

The call comes after electronics company Siemens, which has a large presence of the Island, issued a statement last week in support of the European Union. The INtogether campaign is hoping that its call will see more businesses recognise the benefits of remaining in the EU.

Can only continue to thrive from within the EU

Siemens, who employ over 14,000 workers UK wide and have a big presence on the Isle of Wight, issued a statement last week from its Head Office that clarified its position in believing its ability to continue to thrive as a company would be within the EU.

Its statement supported the need to be involved in the single market, but warned the danger in increased barriers to trade with Europe due to Brexit would not be in the company’s best interest. The full statement can be seen below.

INtogether hopes more businesses keen to stay in the EU will follow suit and help show and build a positive case for staying in the EU.

Building case and Dispelling the myths of the Brexit

The Isle of Wight INtogether campaign leader, Nicholas Belfitt, has continued to address the need to ensure people are aware of the full benefits of remaining in the EU, helping dispel the myths of Brexit and showing how being part of the EU has helped the UK grow.

He argued,

“The EU remains the largest economy in the world and is by far our largest trading partner. Just below half of all goods exported from the UK go to the EU. Seven out of the top ten countries the UK exports to, according to official figures from HM Revenue and Customs, are members of the EU.”

Over 538,988 jobs in the South East, including those on the Island, (according to the Centre for Economics & Business) alone are linked to EU trade. The Leave campaign has argued that being in the Single Market has meant we are crippled by regulation but the facts suggest otherwise. Five EU members, including the UK, are ranked in the top ten most competitive countries in the world.

Reducing the burdens of EU legislation

The UK has also successfully led a campaign to streamline and reduce the burdens of EU legislation. Things such as the removal of European-wide Mobile phone roaming charges are physical examples of red tape being reduced by being in the Single Market.

Nicholas continued,

“I have heard the Leave campaign talk about this referendum as Fear Vs Hope but I don’t agree. I think for many it’s reality vs myth. “We have to dispel the myths and put forward a strong economic case. We are fighting for people’s livelihoods, people’s businesses, people’s opportunity brought by the EU. We have to make a positive but real case built on economic facts. I hope more Island businesses will come out and show their support for the success being in the EU provides.”

For more facts and information for staying in EU can be found our Facebook page and on our Website.







Siemens-Plc-Eu-Employee-Statement-1 (PDF)



Siemens-Plc-Eu-Employee-Statement-1 (Text)



Image: robdeman under CC BY 2.0