The bosses of around half of Britain’s 100 biggest companies are to sign a letter backing David Cameron in his fight to keep the country in the EU ahead of a June referendum that will shape the future of the UK.
As opposition within the ruling Conservative party mounted, Downing Street rallied support from corporate leaders at companies including Shell, BAE Systems, BT and Rio Tinto, who will argue in the letter that Britain is “stronger, safer and better off” in a reformed EU.
The barrage of support will come as some relief to Mr Cameron after London mayor Boris Johnson yesterday became the highest-profile defector in the party, declaring his support for an exit campaign that — if successful — could topple the prime minister.