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Millionaire Donors Head Up New 'Brexit' Group

A group of MPs and business leaders has launched a new campaign for Britain to leave the EU - with multi-millionaire donors named as its treasurers.

The 'Vote Leave' campaign includes Labour, Conservative and UKIP politicians.

Financial clout comes from three prominent treasurers: Peter Cruddas, the banker and former Tory treasurer; millionaire Labour donor John Mills; and spread betting tycoon Stuart Wheeler - who has helped fund UKIP.

Former Dixons chairman Lord Kalms and billionaire Phones4U founder John Caudwell are among the business people backing the group.

Other supporters include author Frederick Forsyth, Lord Trimble, and former Environment Secretary Owen Paterson.

"We must end the supremacy of EU law over UK law. If we vote to leave, then the £350m we send to Brussels every week can be spent on our priorities like the NHS," said Kate Hoey, co-chair of Labour's 'out' group.

UKIP MP Douglas Carswell added: "I look forward to building a campaign that has no interest in party loyalties and is focused on what is best for Britain and our friends in Europe."

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The umbrella group has published an ICM poll of almost 2,000 people that found 44% want to stay in the EU, while 39% want to leave.

When asked how they would feel if the Prime Minister fails to win changes to re-establish the supremacy of UK law, the figures changed to 43% in favour of leaving and 38% to stay in.

David Cameron has promised a vote on Britain's membership by the end of 2017, as well as pursuing re-negotiation of Britain's relationship with the EU.

He says he hopes to secure changes that will allow him to back staying part of the union.

Another group, Leave.EU, launched last month - backed by Nigel Farage - and will fight it out with Vote Leave to be designated the official campaign by the Electoral Commission.

Vote Leave believes in EU reform - but is basing its campaign on the premise that the PM will fail to win meaningful changes.

It wants a free trade deal and "friendly cooperation" with the 28-country bloc and an independent say at institutions such as the World Trade Organisation.

The Leave.EU group however, is against fundamental EU principles altogether.

Another collective, in favour of staying in the EU, is expected to launch next week.