First council in England votes to leave the EU

Havering council has become the first publicly-elected body in Britain to vote in favour of exiting the European Union.

It voted 30 to 15 in support of the motion declaring the UK would be better off outside the EU.

Ukip group leader Lawrence Webb’s motion read: “Due to the negative impact that EU directives such as the agency working time directive and EU procurement rules have on the ability and cost of Havering Council to fulfil its obligations, this council agrees that Britain would be better off outside the European Union."

Webb said he hoped other councils would now stage similar votes ahead of the Government's referendum on Britain's EU membership.

Supplier Profiles