Pat McFadden MP, Labour’s Shadow Europe Minister, responding to comments made by Nirmalya Kumar, Tata Executive Council member, said:

“These comments are the latest from companies employing thousands of British workers making clear that pulling out of the EU would be bad for jobs, trade and investment in the UK.  Mr Kumar says, “for our British operations being part of the EU makes it easier for them to have market access and many of our investments in the past have been based on that understanding. 

“It is not just a matter of trading into the EU, though being part of the EU obviously helps our companies to do that.  It is also about attracting investment from around the world.  Tata is not an EU based company but Mr Kumar makes clear that their investment decisions in the UK are influenced by us being part of the EU.

“It’s important to show leadership on these issues and not allow Britain to volunteer to be marginalised.  Many jobs are on the line here, as well as our influence in the world.  It’s in the interests of our economy and our workers to be part of the EU, taking advantage of the trade and investment opportunities membership gives us.”