London ‘would lose millions in projects funding if we leave EU’

Campaigners rejected claims the EU does nothing for Britain
Francois Lenoir/Reuters
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Millions of pounds could be cut from flagship London projects if Britain leaves the EU, campaigners claim.

They published a leaflet, to be distributed to households across the capital, rejecting six “myths”, including that “the EU has done nothing for London”.

It states: “The EU has invested millions in important projects in London, including cultural programmes at the British Museum, £20 million funding for the cable car from the O2 to the Docklands, vital HIV and cancer research projects at London universities, and £1 billion of finance to help build Crossrail.” The European Investment Bank loaned Transport for London £1 billion towards the financing of the new rail line.

However, the document from Britain Stronger in Europe does not mention the billions the UK ploughs into the EU each year. It also claims that shop prices will go up in London if the country votes to leave the EU.

Being part of the union, it added, made it easier for firms in the capital to grow and create jobs given that there are more than 500 million potential customers in the EU.

David Cameron, who has made clear that he will campaign against “Brexit”, signalled that fresh moves could be launched to reassert that Parliament is sovereign and British courts are not bound by Europe’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. He appeared to confirm that Justice Secretary Michael Gove is looking at the issue.

Eurosceptic former minister Nick Herbert also positioned himself to champion Britain staying in the EU if Mr Cameron succeeds in striking a good deal for a new relationship with Brussels.

Mr Cameron is seeking to reach agreement in his renegotiation bid with other EU leaders at a summit next month, with the referendum possibly then taking place in June.

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