Leading business group: EU exit will harm Britain

The leader of Britain's biggest business group has said that the country's economic success depends on it remaining a full member of the EU, after senior Tories revealed that more than 150 of the party's MPs would campaign to leave the union in a referendum.

CBI director general John Cridland told the Observer that full membership of the EU boosted British jobs, growth and investment.

"The EU is our biggest export market and remains fundamental to our economic future," he said. "Our membership supports jobs, drives growth and boosts our international competitiveness."