MP David Rutley has revealed he will vote to remain in the European Union.
The Macclesfield MP would not state his position on leaving the EU when the Express contacted him previously, saying he needed to review the matter first. But now he’s said he will vote to remain in the EU at the referendum on June 23.
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Mr Rutley said: “This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have made since becoming a MP.
“I recognise that the EU is far from perfect. The Prime Minister has worked hard to negotiate a new deal with the EU and I respect him for doing that. I also believe that EU institutions and other EU member states have missed an opportunity to not only put a better offer on the table for the UK, but also to use the negotiation as a chance to tackle real challenges that the EU itself faces, such as the pressures of increased migration. That said, the EU is now actively working to develop plans to reform migration policy outside of the Brexit debate.”
Mr Rutley’s Conservative party is split on the matter but he joins MPs who are backing David Cameron’s bid to stay in the EU.
He said: “There are legitimate arguments on both sides of the debate. However, for me, the economic arguments for continuing to be part of the EU have been the main factor in making my decision.
“Prior to becoming an MP, I worked for 20 years as a senior executive with companies such as PepsiCo, Asda Wal-Mart and Barclays and learned how important access to the EU Single Market is for the UK’s economy.
“If there were a vote to leave, other options to secure access to this market would, in time, no doubt be negotiated, but this would not be granted freely and we do not know what the price would be for continued access.”
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Meanwhile the first meeting of the Macclesfield branch of the national Britain Stronger IN Europe campaign has been held.
Stephen Broadhead, a spokesman for group, said: “It’s great to see people who are normally non-partisan and those who would normally support rival political parties united in a common cause.
“While those who favour of remaining in the EU are encouraged to register their support via the national website community meetings provide an opportunity for local supporters to get together and work out how best to influence local opinion.
“There are plenty of ways in which those who are not experienced campaigners can still help make a difference.”
The next meeting is at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 15 at the Silk Trader pub on Brook Street.
