Letter to the Editor: We benefit hugely from our membership of the EU

From Mr Geoff Hoon MP

Sir, I was disappointed to read of the concerns of some business people in relation to the pace of reform in the European Union ("Boardroom sentiment turns against Brussels as frustrations grow", October 16).

UK businesses benefit hugely from our membership of the EU and the single market. UK trade with the EU-15 has increased nine-fold in real terms since the 1970s. Current research suggests that 3m British jobs depend on membership of the EU.

While I am sure that some businesses have concerns about particular EU regulations, there is no doubt that the Commission is aware of these issues and that the tide is now turning in favour of businesses and consumers. For example, the Commission is currently reviewing 220 basic legislative acts with the aim of simplifying EU directives and regulations. This has been achieved by a Labour government working with European institutions to set a positive agenda for businesses across Europe.

Any moves to weaken or end our membership of the EU would put all these economic benefits in jeopardy.

Geoff Hoon,
Minister for Europe