Lord Rose to spearhead 'In Campaign' pushing to keep Britain part of EU

The former M&S chief has been unveiled as chairman of the 'In Campaign' Credit: Reuters

Stuart Rose, the businessman and Conservative peer, is to head the drive for Britain to stay in the European Union.

The former Marks & Spencer chief executive has been unveiled as chairman of the "In Campaign".

Lord Rose said Britain would be "stronger, safer and better off inside Europe", while leaving the union meant "taking a leap into the unknown".

The rest of the board are to be unveiled on Monday.

The move follows the launch of "Vote Leave", a new cross-party campaign pushing for the Britain to pull out of the EU.

It also comes as David Cameron held talks at his Chequers country retreat with German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Chancellor Merkel's support will be crucial to the success of Mr Cameron's bid to overhaul UK membership terms.

The two leaders held talks at the prime minister's Chequers country retreat Credit: Reuters

Downing Street said the two leaders had both stressed during discussions over dinner that they wanted to keep Britain in the EU.

Lord Rose, who ran Marks & Spencer from 2004 to 2011 and is currently chairman of Ocado, is likely to have cross-party appeal.

His appointment appears designed to prevent the In Campaign becoming mired in party politics.

Meanwhile, competition from the campaign for Britain to leave the EU is from two groups - the newly established Vote Leave, and the rival Leave EU, masterminded by Ukip backer Arron Banks.

Both are vying to be designated as the official 'out' campaign body by the Electoral Commission.

Find out all you need to know about the new Vote Leave campaign with the ITV News explainer.