Letter to the Editor: Strong evidence that UK business supports the single market
From Mr Roland Rudd
Sir, In contrast to your editorial "Boardrooms go cold on the single market" (October 17), there is strong evidence to suggest that UK business is solidly supportive of the European Union and its jewel in the crown, the single market. Much of the business community appreciates the benefits that being part of the single market affords to the UK, particularly among the big business community, which is so important to the health of the UK economy.
It is important to note that the recent ICM poll primarily reflected the views of small businesses, many of which are unlikely to do much business in Europe. A very different view emerges when the views of larger businesses in the UK are sought, as a recent YouGov poll of FTSE 250 directors showed with overwhelming support for the effectiveness of the single market.
It has not escaped the attention of business, including the estimated 750,000 UK companies that carry out business and trade with Europe, that the European Commission has been working to increase the dynamism of the European economy. Whereas once the Commission was attacked for its federalist agenda, now it is routinely attacked in parts of Europe for its free-market outlook.
The Barroso Commission's efforts to deregulate have been welcomed by the UK business community, while the services directive (even in its current form) is a step in the right direction for the liberalisation of the services market. Now is precisely the time for UK business to voice its concerns and to support the liberalisation agenda, along with the expansion of the EU to 27 members.
In a survey by Clifford Chance, "Business and EU regulation", questioning businesses of all sizes, 62 per cent of businesses said that the single market supported their commercial aspirations, while only 27 per cent disagreed. Evidence such as this which demonstrates the enduring strength and popularity of the single market should not be ignored for the sake of some facile Brussels-bashing.
Roland Rudd,
Chairman, Business for New Europe
London EC2P 2YS
