Tory MPs back foreign entrepreneurs & skilled immigrants despite Brexit support

Although seven out of 10 Conservative politicians believe businesses would benefit from Britain leaving the EU, more than 80% say it should be easier for foreign entrepreneurs to move to the UK, new research has revealed.

In the poll of 106 MPs, 70% of Tories said Britain leaving the EU would have a positive impact on small businesses, with 88% thinking British entrepreneurs would benefit from the UK being exempt from European business regulation.

At the same time however, 86% of Conservative MPs supported foreign entrepreneurs moving to UK, and more than half said it should be easier to hire skilled workers from overseas, an increase in support since last year despite the EU referendum debates around immigration.

In contrast, 97% of Labour MPs surveyed said Britain quitting the European Union would be bad for entrepreneurs with 84% saying it should be easier for foreign entrepreneurs to move here and 66% calling for it to be easier to take on overseas staff.

Philip Salter, founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, which carried out the research, said: "This survey shows that MPs across the House of Commons understand there's a need for migrant entrepreneurs and skilled workers to support our flourishing ecosystem. This should be welcome news for business owners worried about the uncertainty caused by the referendum.

"Whatever we decide on 23 June, we must ensure that we keep the doors open to entrepreneurs and the talented migrants so Britain remains the best place in the world to start and grow a business."

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See our full coverage of the EU referendum and the impact on small businesses here.