British Food Industry 'Overwhelmingly' Wants UK To Remain Within European Union

British food and drink manufacturers have "overwhelmingly" endorsed that the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union rather than leave, according to an industry poll.

More than two-thirds (71 percent) of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), an organization representing the British food and drink manufacturing industry, voted to stay in the EU, while 17 percent declined to vote either way. Only 12 percent of respondents voted to leave the EU.

In June, the U.K. will hold a referendum regarding whether Britain should remain within the European Union — a coalition of 28 European countries that fosters economic and political cooperation in Europe, and which uses its own currency and legislative body, the European Commission — that will be open to all British citizens aged 18 and older.

For food manufacturers, remaining within the EU is preferable because membership comes with greater access to raw materials, as well as the free movement of workers across member countries. A separate survey conducted by the Confederation of British Industry, which represents nearly 200,000 British businesses, found that 80 percent of members wished to stay.

"The message from our members is resounding," said CBI director Carolyn Fairbairn. "Most want the U.K. to stay in the EU because it is better for their business, jobs, and prosperity. Walking away makes little economic sense."