Cape Town – Britons will cause “irreparable damage” both to Great Britain and to Europe if it votes “Leave” in Thursday’s referendum, entrepreneur Richard Branson said on Monday.
In a poll on Virgin’s website, 78% favoured the UK remaining in the European Union (EU). Many other polls show a slight edge for the “Remain” camp, which increased its levels after the murder of pro-EU campaigner and Labour Party politician Jo Cox.
Branson said “there are a few occasions in your life where you can see something going horribly wrong and this is one of those occasions”.
Before the UK joined the EU, growing businesses into Europe was incredibly difficult, Branson said.
“I couldn’t move my people between Britain and Europe without … visas,” he said. “I couldn’t move goods between Britain and Europe without 35% tax.”
“Those 500 000 customers were not available to me,” he said. “No we’ve moved on to having (the) EU and all of those barriers have disappeared.”
WATCH: Why Richard Branson is scared of Brexit
EU prevents wars - Branson
Recalling how his father and grandfather fought in wars in Europe, Branson said the EU was formed as a trading block to prevent future wars.
“Since the EU has been formed, I have been able to become an entrepreneur instead of going off and fighting for my country.
“If we were to give it up, I think it would be pretty catastrophic for the long-term future of Great Britain and … Europe,” he said.
“It would be a financial disaster,” he said. “You would see the pound collapsing and trade being stifled.”
On his website, Brandon said leaving the EU is not a risk he would want the UK to take.
“Not as an investor, not as an entrepreneur and certainly not as a father and grandfather concerned about the world we leave to the next generation,” he said.
Photo: AFP
Don't shoot yourself in the foot - Branson
“Some people think that by voting Leave they will somehow punish the ruling class.
“Some are looking backwards and inwards for inspiration and hope - when they should be looking forward at a wide world of opportunity.
“If you vote Leave you are not kicking the establishment in the balls - you are shooting yourself in the foot.
“The global threats facing British citizens young and old, like climate change, financial crisis or conflict, are best addressed collectively.
“No question, being part of the EU not only makes Europe stronger, but the UK too.
“June 23rd will determine if voters would rather live in Little England or in Great Britain. And Great Britain has always stood for democracy, compassion, justice and inclusion.”