Directors from 51 FTSE 100 sign public letter in The Times backing Remain
Campaigners backing Britain’s continued membership of the EU have claimed a boost this morning after corralling directors from 51 FTSE 100 companies into signing a public letter published in today’s Times backing an in vote.
Whilst many have previously given their support to the status quo, the latest list includes a number of faces previously sitting it out on the fence; including Sir John Parker from mining giant Anglo American, Tony Pidgley from house builder the Berkeley Group and John McFarlane from banking group Barclays.
In their joint letter the signatories wrote: "Britain leaving the EU would mean uncertainty for our firms, less trade with Europe and fewer jobs.
"Britain remaining in the EU would mean the opposite - more certainty, more trade and more jobs. EU membership is good for business and good for British jobs. That's why, on 23 June, we back Britain remaining in the EU.”
The letter wasn’t just signed by corporate titans but some 900 small businesses too, countering accusations from Leave campaigners that only big business backs remain.
It’s not all one-way traffic however with Tate & Lyle sugars writing to all 800 of its staff advising them that jobs would be more secure outside the EU.
Today is the last official day of campaigning ahead of the crunch vote