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LONDON, April 3 (Reuters) - The majority of Britishaerospace, defence, security and space companies believe thatthe country should stay in the European Union, the latestbusiness group to come out in favour of staying in the bloc.
The economic impact of a 'Brexit' is one of the key issuesfor voters ahead of a referendum on Britain's EU membership onJune 23.
ADS Group, the industry body for aerospace, defence,security and space companies in Britain, said that 70 percent ofits members believe it would be better for their business if thecountry stayed in the EU.
"Our members recognise the benefits of the UK remaining partof the EU; access to integrated European supply chain; R&Dfunding which enables the UK to compete globally, and theability to influence and shape EU regulation," ADS ChiefExecutive Paul Everitt said.
The industry's view echoed the comments of bosses at morethan a third of Britain's biggest companies including major oilfirms Shell and BP and its largest telecomsgroup BT who warned in February that leaving the EU wouldput jobs and investments at risk.
Some companies do, however, favour an exit from the EU. Thecampaign for Britain to leave the EU has been backed by 250business leaders including the former chief executive of HSBC,the Vote Leave group said in March.
Members of the ADS group employ 310,000 people in Britainand generate 31 billion pounds in exports for the country. The survey was carried out in February and March, ADS said.
Planemaker Airbus, which employs 16,000 people inBritain building wings for its aeroplanes amongst otheractivities, said in February that its British operations wouldbe less competitive if the country voted to leave the EU. (Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Clelia Oziel)