Agenda item

The United Kingdom’s Membership of the European Union

At this point in proceedings, the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee made a statement to the Court in accordance with Standing Order 13(11).

The Chairman made reference to the Court’s decision at its March meeting to approve the City Corporation’s adoption of a position supportive of the UK’s continued membership of the European Union. He took the opportunity to highlight several surveys, reports and statements made by key organisations advocating the economic reasons for remaining in the European Union, reflecting that this suggested that the Court’s decision had been the correct one.

Responding to questions from John Fletcher and Ann Pembroke, the Chairman clarified the distinction between the economic impact forecast made by Her Majesty’s Treasury in respect of Brexit and general economic forecasts. He also reiterated that the Policy and Resources Committee had not considered any proposed expenditure on campaigning and provided his assurance that there was no intention to do so. In relation to a further query concerning the extent to which some might feel that membership of the European Union placed limitations upon the UK’s self-determination, the Chairman advised that it would be a matter for individual voters to reach a view.