SOUTH Craven MP Julian Smith is backing a national business lobby campaigning for Britain to remain in the European Union.
He says a growing number of influential bodies – including the Bank of England and International Monetary Fund, and other independent experts – are warning of economic shockwaves if an exit takes place.
And he adds that small businesses and the jobs they create would be worst affected.
"We have the best of both worlds being part of the EU and we should not take any risks with our economic security," said Mr Smith.
"Leaving the EU would be a leap into the dark and is a gamble that I don't think we should take for our country.
"As someone who grew a small business, I am clear that being part of the EU gives us the best economic and trading opportunities.
"Across the UK, 116,000 small businesses export services to the EU and two million jobs are either directly or indirectly linked to these exports.
"Rather than risking our economy with a vote to leave we should be building on these European markets, making the most of the free trade deals the EU has in place around the world and continuing to benefit from the cheaper supply chains."
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