Wolverhampton MP Emma Reynolds: Leaving EU is 'worst of all worlds'

Emma Reynolds, MP for Wolverhampton North East, says that for Britain to continue to have influence it needs to cooperate with its European partners.

"If we come out of the EU we will have to try and negotiate free trade agreements with other countries," said Ms Reynolds, a member of the cross party Britain in Europe campaign group.

"That will be the worst of all worlds. I would rather us be part of a big block of nations negotiating together.

"It is a false choice to say that we are cut between trading with the EU and the rest of the world."

Ms Reynolds was speaking at the launch of the West Midlands Economic Forum's (WMEF) survey to gauge the attitudes of Black Country businesses towards the EU.

The survey was requested by Stourbridge MP Margot James and will be sent out to private businesses across the region.

Questions cover export and import and there is an opportunity for comment, including benefits, restrictions and suggestions for reform.

Mrs James said the survey offers a politically unbiased platform for opinion on a 'vital issue'.

"The Government has invested huge resources and effort to drive exports to newer, developing markets," she said.

"Nevertheless more than 50 per cent of total UK exports still go to the EU. While immigration and asylum issues are particularly potent, the views of businesses are important in determining any decision on EU membership."

A referendum on Britain's membership of the EU is set to happen before December 2017, and could occur as early as this summer.

Pro-Europe MP Pat McFadden also spoke at the event. He said: "I've nailed my colours very firmly to the mast," he said. "I hope we stay in, but I think it is important we take the views of business on board.

"It's important the facts are laid out in terms of what a 'yes' or a 'no' vote would mean for Britain.

"You can't ask people to take a leap into the unknown without knowing what the facts are on both sides."

The survey has been developed in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, CBI, Birmingham City University, FSB, Black Country LEP and Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

Findings from the survey will be published in March 2016.

The survey, entitled Black Country Business Attitudes toward the European Union, is available to download from www.westmidlandseconomicforum.co.uk