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Brexit vote splits families in UK

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - 01:40

Britain's vote on whether to stay in the European Union, set for the end of June, is dividing the country as it debates the nature of its identity and economic future. But as Alex Fraser reports, it's also seriously dividing two brothers in Nottingham over whether they want to be a part of Europe.

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It's fracturing political parties, splitting public opinion across the country, and the referendum on EU membership is now even dividing families. Ian Baxter and his brother Nigel each run two separate haulage businesses. SOUNDBITE: Reuters Reporter, Alex Fraser, saying (English): "Their two firms are based just a mile away from each other in Nottingham. The Baxters used to work together at their father's freight company, and now they find themselves on either sides of the debate on Britain's debate on European membership." 49-year-old Ian is chairman of Baxter Freight. SOUNDBITE: Baxter Freight Chariman, Ian Baxter, saying (English): "My view is that Britain needs to be an outward looking country. Stay in, have influence, make a difference for this generation and the generations to come. Nigel's is to go our own way. I think that's a pessimistic view of the world and is not the right response to the challenges we have today." Nigel, the older of the two, owns a commercial vehicle business. He disagrees with his brother - arguing that the EU imposes too much bureacracy. SOUNDBITE: RH Commcerical Vehicles owner, Nigel Baxter, saying (English): "He will try to say to me, which legislation is it that you don't like? Well what I don't like is legislation that makes businesses do little things that are inefficient. It's up to us to provide good environments for people we work with. I don't need Brussels to tell me how to do that." An ICM poll published on Wednesday showing that many of the public agree. Support for Britain to leave the EU rose to 43%, a 2% lead over the stay campaign. It's the first time that the eurosceptics have edged ahead. But it's a fair bet polls will flip-flop, with just three months to go until Britons cast their vote.