British­-Indians want to stay in EU

LONDON: As many as 71 councillors of Indian origin across Britain and across the political spectrum have pledged their support for the “British Indians for IN” campaign

LONDON: As many as 71 councillors of Indian origin across Britain and across the political spectrum have pledged their support for the “British Indians for IN” campaign to make the case for remaining a member of the European Union.

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Ahead of Thursday’s referendum, the councillors said remaining in the European Union significantly benefits Britain not just economically, but in terms of security, trade and presence globally. Areas represented by the pro-EU councillors include wards in England, Wales and Scotland, and they represent the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties.

Councillor Geetha Morla, from Milton Keynes, said: “For me, there is no question about whether or not Britain should remain a member of the EU. The European single market is by far our biggest trading partner, providing jobs and ensuring lower prices in our shops.”

Balwant Chadha, councillor for Cumbernauld North in North Lanarkshire and the country’s first Sikh Justice of the Peace, told the campaign: “I strongly believe that Britain is in a much stronger position remaining in EU and safer not only economically and culturally, but is able to lead people in European countries to improve their quality of life.”

The “British Indians for IN” campaign group coordinated by Conservative MP Alok Sharma has more than 15 members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

According to senior Labour MP Virendra Sharma, being a member of the EU means Britain is better off and safer in an increasingly uncertain world.

“While the UK is in the EU it stands between the Commonwealth and Europe, we are a stronger trading partner for India while we have access to the single market,” he said.