Almost 300 British Artists Urge UK to Remain in EU

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Almost 300 renowned British nationals, working in the arts, have signed a letter calling on the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union, saying that a Brexit may damage the creative industry.

"Britain is not just stronger in Europe, it is more imaginative and more creative, and our global creative success would be severely weakened by walking away," the letter, organized by the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign, read, as quoted by the BBC.

Actors Jude Law, Keira Knightley, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bill Nighy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sir John Hurt, Sir Patrick Stewart and Thandie Newton, architect Richard Rogers, artist Tracey Emin, author John le Carre, comedian Jo Brand, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, director Richard Curtis and writer Philip Pullman are among the signatories of the letter.

"Leaving Europe would be a leap into the unknown for millions of people across the UK who work in the creative industries, and for the millions more at home and abroad who benefit from the growth and vibrancy of Britain's cultural sector," the letter added.

UK citizens are set to vote on June 23 in a referendum on the country's EU membership. Supporters of the UK exit from the bloc argue that EU membership has eroded Britain’s independence to legislate, direct its economy and control its borders. Opponents warn that leaving the European Union could deeply harm the country’s economy.