The chief executives of Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester Airports Group have joined Tui’s former chief executive Peter Long, easyJet’s Carolyn McCall, Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary, Air Asia’s Tony Fernandes and the founder of Lastminute.com Martha Lane Fox in signing an open letter published today in The Times, in support of the UK remaining as part of the EU.
The travel bosses were part of 198 signatories from some of the UK’s largest firms.
In the letter, which was published today, signatories said: “We believe that Britain is better off staying in a reformed European Union. [David Cameron] has secured a commitment from the EU to reduce the burden of regulation, deepen the single market and to sign off crucial international trade deals.
“Business needs unrestricted access to the European market of 500 million people in order to continue to grow, invest and create jobs. We believe that leaving the EU would deter investment, threaten jobs and put the economy at risk. Britain will be stronger, safer and better off remaining a member of the EU.”
The letter adds: “If the Brexit camp get their way many vital workplace benefits that the EU has given us — paid holidays, extra maternity rights and better conditions for part-time workers — could be for the chop.”
However critics were quick to point out that two third of FTSE 100 firms, including Tesco and Sainsbury did not sign the letter.
A referendum on whether the UK should stay in the EU will be held on June 23.
