EEF NW comment on Ed Miliband speech

Commenting on the speech by the Leader of the Opposition, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP today, Darrell Matthews, North West Region Director at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: "Anything that reduces uncertainty about our membership of the EU will be welcomed by most businesses.

"Manufacturers want to see the political focus move on to the substantial economic benefits to the UK of EU membership, including improving competitiveness, supporting international trade and extending the single market.

"Holding a referendum in 2017 would be an unnecessary distraction and is forcing some international businesses to question their long term investment plans in the UK.

"To support business and our country's economic interests, the UK's priority must be to reform the EU from within, supporting efforts by all member states to focus on growth and economic stability and an develop industrial strategy that prioritises opportunities for international trade and improving Europe's competitiveness."

“We now need to see a constructive debate and plans from all political parties that would articulate what the UK’s future relationship within the EU will look like.”