A poll of financial advisers has found that the majority want to stay in the EU, but only 23 votes separated the ‘stay’ and ‘leave’ camps.
Of the 1,327 advisers who responded to the question: ‘Considering the best interests of financial services and your clients, do you think Britain will be better off staying in the EU, or leaving?’ which was put by the Personal Finance Society, 675 – just over 50 per cent – said the country should stay and 652 wanted a Brexit.
The professional body put the question to its 36,400 members following an announcement by the government that the date for Britain’s referendum on EU membership will be 23 June.
Commenting on the poll results, Keith Richards, chief executive of the Personal Finance Society, said: “You can’t get much closer than that. On balance, our members think we will be better off staying within the existing EU framework rather than going it alone.
“It remains to be seen if there will be any significant legislative changes should we ultimately exit from the EU. It is a bridge we will cross should we come to this scenario.”
You can’t get much closer than that. Keith RichardsAdviser view
John Crisford, director of Sherwood Healthcare, said: “At my age, I would like to exit, but younger people may have a totally different view because they are going to be involved in the business longer than me and see the benefits of staying. From my perspective, leaving doesn’t frighten me.”
Mr Crisford said he supported trade deals between the UK and the EU, but would like to see less European involvement in UK legislation.
shirin.aguiar@ft.com
