Is British business opposed to the EU on non-commercial grounds?

Question

I'm confused that people who support the Tories and UKIP-- I mean, specifically businesspeople-- who might be expected to support the EU (since it's a free trade institution) are instead often opposed to it. Are they acting against their own interests?

Answer 1

Yes

Answer 2

EU is a commerical arrangement basically.It promotes freetrade between member nations.EU is the only solution to protect UK and otherwestern countries from competition from Japan,China and India.Already the share of UK in world trade is coming down.British products are no longer wanted in world markets.Samsung and Lg has replaced Philips in almost all part of the world.EU will make a ready and restricted market for British products.Euro will insulate it from external pressures.If UK business men do not want Euro or EU,they are digging their on graves.

Answer 3

It's called freedom of choice, enjoy it while you can as it is eroding very fast!

Answer 4

Some businesses are harmed by being in the EU, most others benefit from have access to European markets.  Those that are harmed by being in the EU will campaign for leaving it, simple as that.

They put there own gain above that of the country.  Sounds tory to me!

Answer 5

While they understand that the free market is important to the EU, the UK based Tories and UKIP understand their constituency lies within solely the borders of the UK.  Many people in Britain are against the integration of the EU, and for good reason.  They see their culture, lifestyle, and often money slipping away to other areas or being lost completely.  The Tories and UKIP do believe in free trade, but they understand that this could open the UK to markets in which it may not be able to defend itself from and the citizenry and business groups based in the UK could suffer.  These political organizations work off of votes and understand what their constituents want and need.  While it seems that they are acting against their own interests, they are merely saving themselves politically and seeing the situation for what it is, a bad day for Britain.

Answer 6

Two sides to this!

There will be "businessmen" who are in favour of an open market but specifically want to recruit workers from low paid countries, whilst others might be concerned about the stricter restrictions on workers right, safety and minimum wages.

Rather depends on where they see the most profit or least costs that will bring them benefits.

"Businessmen" are not a single homogenous group going about making a living in the same way. Think opportunity!