Dennis GrantTHE leader of Swindon's chamber of commerce has urged businesses to make sure they hold an informed opinion about joining Europe.

Chief executive Dennis Grant says he fears there is not enough reasoned debate about European union and integration.

Writing in this month's Wiltshire Business, Mr Grant said: "Let's ignore political dogma and simply consider the possible impact on our jobs and income prospects."

Mr Grant has pointed to independent research that shows economic growth would be slower and the lack of tariffs within Europe means that, if outside the Eurozone, Britain would face much higher prices.

According to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, 9.5 per cent of the UK's economy is trade with Europe, while the return figure is 2.4 per cent in short, we need Europe more than it needs us.

Mr Grant said: "I don't mind people having an informed opinion on what we should or should not do.

"But when you see people waving Union Jacks saying let's pull England out of Europe, I want to make sure they know the arguments.

"There's a perception that Europe is bad for us.

"I am not advocating that Europe is perfect, but I would say that if we want to make it perfect we have got to do it from the inside."

Mr Grant argues that Britain would suffer from a lack of investment if it were to withdraw from Europe.

A large multi-national looking at starting a production plant has the advantage of getting a foothold inside Europe and the trading possibilities that brings if it opens in Britain.

If, however, it would face trade tariffs by Britain's being outside the Eurozone, it would have no more reason to move to Britain than to a country with cheaper labour costs such as somewhere in North Africa.

Mr Grant said: "People have failed to make the connection between what is happening in Europe and real day-to-day life.

"We need to help people to make an informed decision and if they decide they want to pull out so be it.

"Swindon Chamber is apolitical, but personally I'm pro-Europe I've spent a lot of my life abroad.

"But the one thing we have to remember is that we don't own the economy, we just borrow it for our children. The world is changing and we can't react to these changes just with sentiment and emotion."

Mr Grant said he believes not just individuals but many businesses are misled by confusing the emotive aspects of the European debate such as keeping the pound, with the longer-term benefits or drawbacks of increased integration.

He said: "I'm not advocating that we all become Europhiles, just that we become aware of the decision process, and that we start thinking in the short and the long term."

tmorton@newswilts.co.uk