Indian-origin MPs in the UK have launched anew cross-party group to campaign for Britain to remain a member of the European Union (EU) in the June 23 referendum.
The "British Indians for IN" campaign was launched yesterday with the backing of 15 British-Indian lawmakers including Keith Vaz, Shailesh Vara, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Virendra Sharma and Seema Malhotra among others.
Those supporting the campaign have signed an open letter which reads: "We are British Parliamentarians of Indian-origin and whilst we represent different political views, on a whole range of matters, we believe that membership of the EU is an issue which transcends party politics.
"We are united in our belief that the UK is stronger, safer and better off as a member of the EU. Contrary to the argument made by some that Britain needs to leave the EU in order to strengthen its ties with Commonwealth countries, we believe that our membership of the EU helps to enhance and strengthen the UK's partnership with countries like India."
"We will be encouraging everyone to vote to remain in the European Union, including the 1.2 million British-Indians eligible to vote, whose votes could prove to be decisive in determining the outcome of the referendum," it said.
Alok Sharma MP, who is helping to co-ordinate the campaign, said that with more than a million eligible voters in the upcoming referendum, British-Indians could "prove to have a decisive say" in our future relationship with Europe.
"A vote to remain guarantees us continued unfettered access to Europe's free trade single market of 500 million consumers, meaning lower prices, more jobs,increased investment and financial security."
"It also means a seat at the table as the EU negotiates some of the biggest trade deals in history - such as the ongoing discussions with the US, China and India," he said.
