Britannia Radio

on 'isolation' and inward investment

The Bruges Group spearheads the intellectual battle against the notion of "ever–closer Union" in Europe and, above all, against British involvement in a single European state. Does the EU’s Single Market Encourage FDI into the UK? Bruges Group Research The Political Class and Their Support for the EU Meeting Reminder: Wednesday, 1st February 2012 Share Bruges Group Research Does the EU’s Single Market Encourage FDI into the UK? This paper examines the claim that the single market has helped investment, and specifically the foreign direct investment (FDI) into the UK, which has in recent years contributed somewhere between a fifth and a half of the total gross UK capital formation. Membership of the EU’s single market is commonly assumed to have been a key factor in encouraging foreign investors to choose to invest in the UK. The main finding is that the annual flows of FDI into non-members of the EU in Europe, and selected non-members beyond, have not declined or suffered in any respect because they are not members of the EU. On the contrary, they have increased at a significantly faster rate than those of members of the EU, and this disparity is especially marked among the European non-members. Overall the evidence suggests that the importance of the EU and the single market as a determinant of FDI have been exaggerated by its enthusiasts. The experience of eight independent countries over 21 years is compelling and convincing, and it allows us to reasonably and safely assess that there is no risk that FDI into the UK would be jeopardized, threatened or reduced if Britain were to put itself in the same ‘isolated’ position as the eight independent countries studied in this report. The facts also suggest that, rather than a risk assessment of withdrawal from the EU, it would now be more appropriate and timely to conduct a risk assessment of remaining in the EU, and of the chances of the UK declining towards the EU norm. Click here to read the full analysis Share NEXT MEETING The Political Class and Their Support for the EU With the speakers; Dr Simon Heffer, author, broadcaster and political commentator & Dr Robin Harris, advisor to Baroness Thatcher and political author. Wednesday, 1st February 2012 6.45pm for 7pm ADMISSION: £10 payable on the door or in advance Including wine, orange juice, mineral water and nibbles To purchase your ticket visit: www.brugesgroup.com/meetings Or call Robert Oulds on 020 7287 4414, or reply to this e-mail WITH THE SPEAKERS Dr Simon Heffer Simon Heffer is a well known author, broadcaster and columnist with The Daily Mail where he is also the Editor of the RightMinds blog. Formerly, he was the Associate Editor of The Daily Telegraph and the Deputy Editor of The Spectator. He is known and respected for his cogent views on the EU, political correctness and the Conservative Party. Simon Heffer’s publications include Like the Roman: the life of Enoch Powell and Nor Shall my Sword: the reinvention of England. Dr Robin Harris Robin Harris is a British author and journalist. He has written for The Daily Telegraph andProspect magazine. He has a doctorate in history from Oxford University. When Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister Robin Harris was a member of her Policy Unit from 1989 to 1990 becoming one of the former Prime Minister’s closest aides. Prior to his time at Number 10 he was the Director of the Conservative Research Department and a political advisor to the Treasury and then the Home Office. When Lady Thatcher left Downing Street, so did he; and Robin continues to advise her and assisted her with her books and speeches. Robin Harris has also completed a biography of Margaret Thatcher, to appear after her passing. Robin Harris is known for his cogent views on British politics where he has been critical of David Cameron. Harris is the author of the recently published book The Conservatives – A History. Dr Harris' talk is titled; Britain, Europe and the Conservative Party - An Historical Perspective. LOCATION: Princess Alexandra Hall, Royal Over-Seas League, Over-Seas House 6 Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR AGENDA: Lectures: 7pm – 8pm Discussion: 8pm – 8.30pm Wine and refreshments: 8.30pm – 10pm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Honorary President: The Rt Hon. the Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven, LG, OM, FRS Vice-President: The Rt Hon. the Lord Lamont of Lerwick, Chairman: Barry Legg Director: Robert Oulds MA, Head of Research: Dr Helen Szamuely Washington D.C. Representative: John O'Sullivan, CBE, Head of Press: Jack Soames Founder Chairman: Lord Harris of High Cross, Former Chairmen: Dr Brian Hindley, Dr Martin Holmes & Professor Kenneth Minogue -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For further information contact: Robert Oulds Director The Bruges Group 214 Linen Hall, 162-168 Regent Street, London W1B 5TB UK Tel: +44(0) 20 7287 4414 Mobile: 07740 029787 E-mail: info@brugesgroup.com