Survey shows TTF members firmly in “Remain” camp

Some 76% of survey respondents think the UK should stay in the EU, while 16% are in favour of leaving. Considering the impact on the UK economy as a whole, 80% of the respondents believe the UK will benefit from remaining in the European Union, while 11% indicate ‘Brexit’ as the best solution.

These mainly expressed concern about the uncertain economic and political scenarios following a possible exit from the EU and how this would impact on business investment.

Several comments stressed how replacement of European standards and regulations with UK equivalents would negatively impact trade.

However, respondents also highlighted the necessity of reforming the EU to ensure benefits and responsibilities are distributed more equally among member states.

“The TTF is not taking an official position on the referendum either way, but this survey gives an unequivocal view from the members,” said David Hopkins, managing director of the Timber Trade Federation.

“It is perhaps unsurprising that uncertainty and lack of clarity from the Brexit camp about what leaving the EU would achieve does not impress a business sector for whom the EU is their biggest trading partner.”