Broadcast: News items

Susan Smith introduces the EU referendum debate

Professor Steven McGuire

Sussex Teaching Fellow in Accounting Susan Smith - acting in her role as Deputy President of the South Eastern Society of Chartered Accountants - hosted a debate last night (Thursday 12 May) on the implications of the EU referendum on the South East.

The event was attended by 60 leading business people from the region who were keen to hear the view of a panel of experts on what is already a highly controversial referendum campaign. 

The panel - ably chaired by Clive Stevens of local accountancy firm Kreston Reeves - consisted of political, business and public sector speakers who put forward their views on the subject, including Head of the Sussex School of Business, Management and Economics, Professor Steven McGuire:

• Clive Stevens, Kreston Reeves (Panel Chair)
• Sir Nicholas Soames, Conservative MP for West Sussex (Keynote Speaker)
• John Petley, Campaign for an Independent Britain
• Professor Steven McGuire, University of Sussex
• Tamara Roberts, Ridgeview Wine Estates
• Steve Smith, Wellbeing Telehealthcare Solutions

Following an introduction from Susan, the keynote address was given by Sir Nicholas Soames MP, who spoke passionately for remaining in the EU. He highlighted the historical reasons for its creation in the aftermath of the Second World War while acknowledging its current imperfections. One of the key benefits of membership put forward in his speech was the ability to for the UK to influence the decision-making process.

A counter argument was provided by John Petley from the Campaign for Independent Britain, who focused on the Norwegian example as a template for a United Kingdom outside the EU. He considers the EU overly restrictive and feels that UK interests would be best served through reclaiming its sovereignty.

Business views were provided by Steve Smith from Welbeing and Tamara Roberts of Ridgeview Wine Estates, both of whom discussed the effect that an exit might have on their supply chain and the export of their products.

Professor Steven McGuire offered a commentary on the impact of a possible exit on the Higher Education sector and the wider implications for innovation. He highlighted that, while changes would affect both staff and students, esearch funding would be significantly affected, which would in turn filter through to global rankings and overall attractiveness of the UK to students and researchers alike.

Susan said:

"This is an important issue for the United Kingdom and potentially touches on all aspects of our daily lives. Voters have a responsibility to make an informed decision since the outcome has implications not just for them but for generations to come."

The evening was rounded off with a drinks reception sponsored by local firms Kreston Reeves and Spofforths.