Michael Gove says Nottinghamshire people should vote to leave the EU because it would bring hundreds of millions of pounds back into British public services.
Gove, the Justice Secretary and former Education Secretary, told Notts TV News people should ignore arguments for remaining in the union because an ‘out’ decision would be better for the country financially.
He spoke ahead of helping to launch the ‘Vote Leave’ campaign in a rally at Nottingham’s BioCity on Friday evening.
“Of course there are going to be people who are going to try to portray leaving the EU in a negative light,” he said.
“People will trot out scare stories and the same people have been wrong in the past.
“But if we leave we take back control of money we give to the EU every week – that’s £350 million a week.”
Britain will be asked to vote in the referendum on June 23, with the question on the referendum papers asking: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”
The options for voters will be ‘Remain a member of the European Union’ and ‘Leave the European Union’.
A vote was promised by Prime Minister David Cameron as part of the Conservatives’ successful 2015 General Election campaign – and the debate has become one of the most protracted, heated and complex in recent British political history.
Supporters of the ‘Vote Leave’ campaign, often referred to as ‘Brexit’ say the country does not get value for money from the Union and suffers from not having enough control over making its own laws.
But those in favour of remaining in the EU say being a member makes the country more secure against terrorism and will make its economy stronger long-term.
Mr Gove added: “By leaving the country would be able to cut new trade deals with countries (which EU membership prevents it from doing so) and we’d have an extra £350 million every week – it would contribute to a better quality of life and more jobs.”
On Thursday Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set out his case for remaining in the EU, saying: “By working together across our continent, we can develop our economies, protect social and human rights, tackle climate change and clamp down on tax dodgers.”
For the full interview with Michael Gove watch Notts TV News at 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm and 10pm on Friday, April 15 via Freeview channel 7, Sky 117 and Virgin 159.
