Pro-EU stars benefited from Brussels funds
STARS who signed a pro-EU letter benefited from millions of pounds’ worth of EU funding, it has emerged, as Brexit supporter Michael Gove hinted that the Leave campaign is preparing its own letter of support.
Actors, producers and directors listed as supporters of the Government’s Remain campaign have been involved in some of the highest-funded films sponsored by the EU’s Media scheme.
Some of the stars were even used in a glossy brochure, advertising lucrative grants available from the European Union budget.
Mr Gove, the Justice Secretary, urged people not to listen to the host of famous faces from music, film and television.
“I don’t think people should be swayed by celebrities, I think they should listen to the arguments,” he said.
But asked whether the Leave side would produce a list of famous backers, he said: “Just you wait and see.”
The letter stated the UK would be more “creative” inside the EU and warned of the damage to the arts of leaving the 28-member-state bloc. Research by The Daily Tel
egraph shows that UK film and television projects were given €28 million (£21.7 million) over seven years, and millions more were handed over to help export films around the world.
Keira Knightley, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Helena Bonham Carter all appear in glossy literature advertising EU grants, and all signed to back remaining in the union.
James Cleverly, a Conservative MP and Leave campaigner, said those involved should have declared the EU funding they have benefited from. He said: “One of the reasons why in Parliament we have to declare an interest is so you know what our motives are.”
David Cameron backed the letter yesterday, saying British talent made the UK “the envy of the world”.