Advertisement

Stuart Rose To Lead Stay In Europe Campaign

The former boss of Marks and Spencer will head the campaign to keep Britain in the EU.

Conservative peer Lord Rose was unveiled as chair of the 'in' campaign ahead of its official launch on Monday.

Lord Rose - who will be joined in the campaign by Apprentice star Karren Brady - said: "I believe that Britain is stronger in Europe.

"The choice in the coming referendum is between remaining stronger, safer and better off inside Europe, or taking a leap into the unknown, risking our prosperity, threatening our safety, and diminishing our influence in the world.

"I believe the case for Britain to remain in the EU is clear. So I'm delighted to join the In Campaign's board as Chair, and I look forward to introducing the rest of the board at our campaign event on Monday."

:: Analysis - 'In' Campaign Shows Business Is King

Lord Rose spent seven years at M&S as chief executive and chairman and is expected to make the business case for Britain remaining in the EU. He is currently chairman of Ocado, FatFace and Oasis Dental Care.

The Conservative peer will do battle with another Tory member of the House of Lords, former chancellor Lord Lawson, who is leading the Conservative campaign to leave the EU.

Several campaigns are jockeying for position as the referendum battle shifts up a gear.

On Friday a cross-party group of donors and politicians launched the ' Vote Leave' campaign , while the rival 'Leave EU' - backed by UKIP leader Nigel Farage - was unveiled last month.

A third campaign group, Business for Britain, is focusing on putting the economic case for leaving the EU.

The announcement about Lord Rose comes as David Cameron met German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss his renegotiation strategy.

Mrs Merkel had a working lunch with the Prime Minister at his country residence, Chequers.

Mr Cameron is attempting to reform Britain's relationship with the EU ahead of the referendum on its membership and the German Chancellor will be key to whether or not his strategy is successful.

Earlier he met the Estonian Prime Minister as part of his attempt to build alliances ahead of the crucial renegotiations.

Taavi Roivas told Sky News after the meeting: "I do agree with David Cameron that even the best unions can be made better.

"We can be open to discussions and I think David Cameron will be taken very seriously and we'll find a way to make the EU stronger together.

"I believe that we can listen to David's ideas and use many of them to make the EU a better place."