David Cameron and Hollywood actors launch cultural case for Remain
Almost 300 figures from the creative industries sign letter saying Brexit would leave us 'an outsider shouting from the wings'
DAVID Cameron came together with leading luvvies from the creative industries to make the cultural case for the UK to stay in the EU today.
Recreating the iconic Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover at the world famous recording studios this morning with former Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, the PM met with representatives of the creative industries to call for the UK to remain in the EU.
It comes as almost 300 prominent figures from the arts world, including Benedict Cumberbatch. Keira Knightley and Sir Patrick Stewart, signed a letter claiming that being a member of the EU "bolsters Britain's leading role on the world stage".
They are warning Brexit would leave the country "an outsider shouting from the wings".
The letter comes as the Creative Industries Federation revealed that more than 96 per cent of its members supported the UK staying in the European Union.
The signatories said: ";From the smallest gallery to the biggest blockbuster, many of us have worked on projects that would never have happened without vital EU funding or by collaborating across borders.
"Britain is not just stronger in Europe, it is more imaginative and more creative, and our global creative success would be severely weakened by walking away.
"And what would 'out' really mean?
“Leaving Europe would be a leap into the unknown for millions of people across the UK who work in the creative industries, and for the millions more at home and abroad who benefit from the growth and vibrancy of Britain's cultural sector.
"From the Bard to Bowie, British creativity inspires and influences the rest of the world. We believe that being part of the EU bolsters Britain's leading role on the world stage.
"Let's not become an outsider shouting from the wings."
Sir John Sorrell, chairman of the Creative Industries Federation, said: "The UK creative industries are key to the way we are seen by the world and deliver a massive £84.1 billion to our economy.
"Our position as a vital European creative hub is a huge part of this success - we benefit from a vast network of talented people, companies and institutions across Europe."
But House of Cards creator and Tory peer Lord Dobbs dismissed the idea culture was boosted by being in the "failing" EU.
Speaking in a personal capacity, he said: "Our creative industries are booming because of the talent that is in Britain's DNA.
"We are world leaders in so many creative areas
“From theatre to literature, video games, feature films, fashion, music and so much else, British artists lead the way and are celebrated around the globe.
"It's a success that has been created by the dedication, hard work and extraordinary creative abilities of our artists, it's not because of the EU.”
Mr Cameron met fellow Old Etonian Dominic West at the Abbey Road studios to discuss the letter and the impact of Brexit on the creative industries in a round table discussion.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey and Ms Jowell also took part.
Mr Cameron had earlier received a tour of the studios where The Beatles and Pink Floyd recorded some of their biggest hits.
He saw the London Metropolitan Orchestra and Laura Wright, the England rugby team's official anthem singer, perform the Second World War song A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.
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