London: Prime Minister Gordon Brown plans to tell business leaders in London today that Britain's economic future depends on it playing a central role in the European Union. Britain must be a leader in Europe, Brown will argue in a speech responding to critics who have accused him of surrendering powers to Brussels by signing a treaty last month that simplified how the 27-country union is run.

Brown is set to say the current financial turmoil triggered by the US subprime credit crisis means Britain should become more active within the EU. "What is clear is that at this time of global economic uncertainty, we should not be throwing into question our future membership of the EU, risking trade, business and jobs," Brown plans to say, according to prepared remarks released by his office.

"Indeed, I strongly believe that rather than retreating to the sidelines we must remain fully engaged in Europe so we can push forward the reforms that are essential for Europe's, and Britain's, economic future," Brown plans to say. Brown, who took office in June, has so far shied away from the European stage, in sharp contrast to fellow new leader Nicolas Sarkozy, who has tried to shape the EU's political agenda since being elected French President in May.

He has dismissed calls for a British referendum on the EU treaty, his predecessor, Tony Blair, had promised the public a vote on the treaty. Brown insists the document does not transfer key powers from London to Brussels. "The EU is key to the success of business in the UK: Europe accounts for nearly 60 per cent of our trade; 700,000 British companies have trading ties to Europe; and 3.5 million British jobs depend upon Europe," Brown plans to say.

Source : PTI