Who we are

Speakout was founded by Paul Sykes and is a non party political, people's movement, with supporters across the country and from all walks of life.

Paul Sykes commented: 'Myself and the other business people listed below believe that it's time Politicians listened to the people they were elected to represent, whenever the people have been given the chance to have a say on the European Union they have usually rejected it.'

'The people of France and Holland rejected the European Constitution. The people of Denmark and Sweden rejected the single currency. The people of Ireland said 'No' to the Treaty of Nice'.

'That is why politicians fear the idea of a referendum - they do not trust the people to support them in their undemocratic drive to create a country called Europe. That is why we demand a referendum on returning vital powers from Brussels to Britain'.

Here is what our business backers have to say:

John Hanson chairman of the Bradford-based Greenwoods menswear group says:

'It is a tragedy that today the British people do not control their future and destiny; this is now controlled in Brussels.

'As Europe continues to enlarge without democratically asking the people if that is what they want, the dangers of social unrest increase. It is time that the people of the UK got a referendum on Europe so that the true view of the majority can be seen.'

Christopher Burnett, a northern industrialist who has served as Chairman and/or Chief Executive of a number of public and private companies says:

'Wherever one stands in the debate on Europe, it has to be acknowledged that the European Union today is very different to the Common Market we entered in 1973. It is also true that the electorate has never been consulted on any of the significant changes that have occurred.

'The behaviour of the Government and the main opposition parties seems to have taken a different turn - one that appears to involve a conspiracy of silence, even though the impact of decisions taken in Europe are unfolding in front of our eyes. It is time we had a referendum on returning vital powers from Brussels to Britain.'

Gordon and Thomas Black, of international retail suppliers Peter Black, said they were 'extremely concerned' at 'the accelerating drift of political control from Westminster to Brussels.'

'The corner stone of a sovereign state is control of its own borders. Unbeknown to the public, this power has now been lost to Brussels. We are now powerless to stop unlimited immigration from Eastern Europe.

'The consequences of this betrayal will be disastrous. The infrastructure of our hospitals, schools and welfare will not be able to cope. Our prisons are already bursting at the seams.

'The polls show that the majority of the public want a referendum on getting powers back from Brussels. Our aim is for the Speakout campaign to put overwhelming pressure on devious and apathetic politicians to take prompt action and reflect the will of the people.

'This is what democracy is all about! Time is running out - if we are to regain control of our destiny, action is needed now'.

Peter Rigby, former European head of an American metals group based in Yorkshire says:

'We have never been asked whether our country should give up its sovereignty to the European Union. It is time to demand a referendum now.

'Personally, I have battled for many years with my local MP David Curry on this subject but he is immovable as are probably all other MPs. They keep their heads down, follow the party line and ignore the electors hoping we will go away. I for one, certainly won't'

Michael Whitaker, international property developer, says:

'We fought and won two world wars to protect this green and pleasant land, and millions sacrificed their lives in that cause. I wish to protect that heritage and thus fully support the Speakout campaign.

'Ted Heath deceived us into joining the then EEC in the 1970s. Venal political leaders have since continued to destroy our national identity.

'Let's get back democratic control and ownership of borders, our law-making, public spending, internal and international trade, farming and fishing. And let's demonstrate that we can stop the rot.

'Power must be taken back from the self-serving, unelected and dishonest bureaucrats in Brussels.'

Paul Sykes, property developer and son of a coal miner from Barnsley, says:

'Whenever the people have been given the chance to have a say on the European Union they have usually rejected it.

'The people of France and Holland rejected the European Constitution. The people of Denmark and Sweden rejected the single currency. The people of Ireland said 'No' to the Treaty of Nice.

'That is why politicians fear the idea of a referendum - they do not trust the people to support them in their undemocratic drive to create a country called Europe. That is why we demand a referendum on returning vital powers from Brussels to Britain.'

If you are a businessman or woman and want more information on the Speakout campaign contact us on:

Email: info@speakout.co.uk