WIREDGOV

The CBI responded to a speech by President Barroso on Britain’s place within the European Union.

Katja Hall, CBI Deputy Director-General, said　

"We’re living in a globalised world and being inside a reformed EU is the best way for the UK to secure its economic future and maximise its voice internationally. The Single Market anchors our trade and investment at home, and is the launchpad for us to break into new growth markets outside Europe.

"The EU needs to do more of what it is good at, like signing trade deals and drawing on the strength of its single market, while interfering less in countries’ domestic rules. 

"Getting this type of reform would help to boost growth right across Europe, and as Mr Barroso said, the UK has influence in Brussels when it comes to the table with good ideas to make the EU work better.

"Businesses recognise that free movement of workers within the EU is a sensitive issue but are clear that it is an essential part of the single market. It boosts the attraction of investing in the UK, creates jobs and offers firms here real benefits in working with our biggest trading partners."