Last week's poll: European referendum

The new government has committed to an in-out referendum on membership of the European Union. Leaving aside the potential effects of the referendum result, what effect will the upcoming referendum have on industry?

Chart19May

We received a widespread of opinion from the 554 respondents to last week’s poll, with no single result predominating. The largest group of respondents, 41 per cent, thought that the referendum would lead to uncertainty that could damage investment into UK firms, while 20 per cent thought that overseas companies might consider moving their businesses outside the UK. A significant proportion, 16 per cent, thought that the referendum would not unsettle business or the markets, with only the result having any effect. The smallest group, 6 per cent, were concerned about the effect on sterling in the currency exchange markets. Another 17 per cent declined to pick an option.