The British Chambers of Commerce Q4 quarterly economic survey (QES) is currently underway. As part of that survey, the Chambers are trying to understand just how much the business community is aware of the recent proposals for a new settlement for the UK within a reformed European Union.
David Cameron formally set out his demandsin a letter to the presidentof the European Council Donald Tusk on 10 November, stating that four objectives lie at the heart of the UK’s renegotiations:
- Protection of the single market for Britain and other non-euro countries
- Boosting competitiveness by setting a target for the reduction of the “burden” of red tape
- Exempting Britain from “ever-closer union” and bolstering national parliaments
- Restricting EU migrants’ access to in-work benefits such as tax credits
Mr Cameron hit back at claims by former Tory chancellor Lord Lawson that the four goals were “disappointingly unambitious”, saying they reflected what the British people wanted and would be “good for Britain and good for the European Union”. The Prime Minister also said: “It is mission possible and it is going to take a lot of hard work to get there.”
The Chamber’s QES can be completed online in less than 3 minutes, including the 2 additional questions asking for your thoughts on the UK’s EU Reform proposals. The survey deadline is 5pm on Monday 30 November 2015.
