Defra minister George Eustice has called for Britain to leave the European Union (EU).
Mr Eustice shared his views on “Brexit” while speaking at the National Equine Forum yesterday (Thursday, 3 March).
“My own personal view is that we would be better off leaving,” said Mr Eustice.
“We would be able to change things and do things far more simply than we do now.”
He added the Government hopes the UK will stay in the EU.
“Defra does not have a ‘plan B’ option if we do leave,” he said.
“Brexit”, an abbreviation of “British exit”, refers to the country’s possible withdrawal from the EU.
A referendum will be held in June on whether Britain should remain part of the EU or leave.
Tory MP for Camborne, Redruth & Hayle had been speaking to the forum about recent and possible upcoming legislation changes that would affect the equestrian industry.
The equine industry is worth around £7billion to the economy annually and employs around 200,000 people full-time, mostly in rural areas.
“This is an industry that is incredibly important to our country,” he said. “We have reason to be proud.”
The minister formally revealed his stance on the EU debate on his website on 21 February.
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However the Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, Secretary of State for the environment, food and rural affairs, stated in her speech at the National Farmers’ Union conference in Birmingham (23 February) that she believes Britain should stay in the EU.
“I believe that by voting to remain we can work within a reformed EU to reduce bureaucracy and secure further reform while still enjoying the significant benefits of the single market which gives us access to 500 million consumers,” she said.
