Letter to the Editor: Benefiting Britain in the European Union

From Mr Roland Rudd

Sir, Clearly more must be done by the political classes to explain and promote the benefits of the UK’s membership of the EU (letter, Mar 28). However, this is not the exclusive preserve of politicians, and there is a role for business leaders, as wealth creators, to play, too.

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the first reading in the House of Commons of the Single European Act (SEA), which heralded the creation of the single market in Europe. Dramatic progress has taken place since, with the liberalisation of markets and the removal of barriers. Markets such as telecoms and airlines have benefited from the oxygen of competition, which the promotion of the single market has breathed into them. The work is not yet complete but huge strides have been made.

It is to celebrate the achievements of European Union membership and to call for continued reform and liberalisation, that we established Business for New Europe (BNE), an independent coalition of business leaders in the UK. Our agenda is not preoccupied with the recent debates of the euro or the European constitution, but more focused on the swath of important issues which the EU is dealing with, such as tackling protectionism, co-operation on energy policy and promoting innovation.

One example of this was the agreement by EU leaders at the summit last week to work together to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in energy markets.
These issues won’t be solved overnight but it is through the forum of the EU that co-operation on many of the global challenges we face is best facilitated.

ROLAND RUDD
Chairman, Business for New Europe