UK’s vote on Europe ‘puts off investors’

David Cameron has promised to hold a referendum on EU membership if the Conservatives win the next general election. Picture: Getty

PRESSURE to force a referendum on Europe is threatening Britain’s status as a safe bet for international investment, according to a key City figurehead.

Alderman Roger Gifford, Lord Mayor of the City of London, says the prospect of the UK leaving the European Union is a greater concern to international banks and other major financial institutions than Scottish independence.

Speaking to Scotland on Sunday during an official visit to businesses and arts organisations in Dundee, Perth and his native St Andrews, he said: “The real concern if you are in Japan or Korea is that you do not want the UK to leave the single market – the UK is your gateway to Europe.

“I have just been in Japan and they also really value having what they see as a sensible UK voice in Europe.”

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to hold a referendum on EU membership if the Conservatives win the next general election. He hopes to secure the return of some powers from Brussels  before campaigning in favour of remaining in the treaty.

However, following the success of the anti-European UK Independence Party in English local elections, some disgruntled Tory MPs are trying to force a vote, as early as this week, on holding a referendum before 2015.