FIRST LEAVE THE EU ADVICE CENTRE OPENS IN THE WEST MIDLANDS
Issue Date: 1st March 2012
From Thursday 1st March the West Midlands City of Birmingham will see the launch of the UK’s first “Leave the EU” advice centre.
The centre which is based on New John Street in Birmingham will have manned telephones to take phone calls, as well as offering face to face meetings. A Freephone number is clearly displayed on the buildings brand new signage – 0800 157 7916. The phone will be manned from Monday – Friday 9am until 5.30pm to take phone calls and queries. Those with further issues to discuss will also get the opportunity to book appointments with the centre to get face-to-face advice.
More importantly, the centre will help people reclaim the money paid to the EU, by helping them gain access to grants that they perhaps do not know about.
The centre will also become the home to the Campaign for a Referendum. Campaign for a Referendum was the pressure group that presented over 100,000 signatures to Parliament and caused a momentous debate on the European Union last October.
Membership to the European Union now costs the UK £50 million per day, and makes 75% of our laws. Campaign for a Referendum is running a petition to allow for the people to decide whether we continue in the UK or not. The debate which was sparked by this campaign back in October caused a huge backbench rebellion and propelled the topic into the spotlight.
The centre is being supported by Nikki Sinclaire, an Independent MEP for the West Midlands. She says the centre is vital to manage all the problems that people are having with the EU,
“EU legislation stifles small businesses and adds further problems in a time of financial austerity. The team are here to listen to problems and to give advice.”
“Often we are asked how the UK could actually withdraw from the EU, and they will be able to give advice on mechanisms for this to happen”.
“For those who are not aware how the EU affects every area of their lives, we are also acting as an educational tool to provide this information. We hope that we will be able to help groups to apply for EU grants which they have no knowledge of, effectively claiming back what is ours in the first place.
Ends
