Downing Street: 'No pressure' was put on BCC to suspend John Longworth

Downing Street has confirmed "no pressure" was put on BCC to suspend Longworth Credit: Jeff Moore/PA Images

Downing Street has denied claims that it put pressure on the British Chambers of Commerce to suspend its leader John Longworth after he made comments suggesting the country should leave the EU.

A spokesperson for No. 10 said that while it had been "surprised" by the views expressed by Longworth "no pressure" was put on the BCC to suspend the business leader.

It has been alleged that John Longworth was suspended after suggesting Britain would have a 'brighter future' outside the EU Credit: Ian Nicholson/PA

It comes after The Sunday Telegraph reported that a friend of Longworth had told them Downing Street had "bullied" and "put pressure" on BCC board members to suspend their director-general.

The director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce John Longworth was reportedly suspended after he went on radio to campaign for Brexit - going against the stance of his organisation.