EU exit would leave Britain with 'zero influence'

clock •

The UK would have "zero" influence if it voted to leave the EU, the outgoing president of the European Commission has said.

Jose Manuel Barroso said Britain could not negotiate with the US and China "on an equal footing" on its own, the BBC reports. He also said free movement of people within the EU was an "essential" principle that could not be changed. Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps said Barroso was "out of touch" and an "unelected bureaucrat". Barroso was asked about Prime Minister David Cameron's stated intention to negotiate a better deal for the UK in Europe, ahead of an in/out referendum. Cameron has said he will "not take no for an answer" and "get what Britain needs" on the questio...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Fahad Hassan: When good news becomes an inflation problem

Fahad Hassan: When good news becomes an inflation problem

'Markets have been adjusting to the risks through valuations all year'

Fahad Hassan
clock 29 September 2026 • 6 min read
Healey promises 'new age of industrialisation' ahead of Budget

Healey promises 'new age of industrialisation' ahead of Budget

Keeps quiet on personal taxation, pensions or savings at Labour’s conference

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 September 2026 • 2 min read
MPs warn policymakers to stop using OBR as scapegoat for tough fiscal decisions

MPs warn policymakers to stop using OBR as scapegoat for tough fiscal decisions

Treasury Committee report

clock 23 September 2026 • 2 min read