Consumer champion Martin Lewis attacks pro-EU campaign after it featured his quote and picture on a leaflet without permission
- Britain Stronger In Europe features MoneySavingExpert founder on leaflet
- But he attacks the pro-EU campaign for failing to ask his permission
- Lewis insists he isn't backing either In or Out campaign in June's EU vote
- A poll found he is the most trusted voice in the EU referendum campaign
Consumer champion Martin Lewis has attacked the campaign to keep Britain in the EU after it featured his picture and a quote on a pro-Brussels leaflet it sent to voters without his permission.
The MoneySavingExpert founder, who is the most trusted voice in the EU referendum according to polling evidence, said he 'almost dropped my wallet' when he arrived home one evening to find a Stronger In Europe leaflet on his doormat.
Taking to Twitter to vent his frustration this morning, Mr Lewis wrote: 'I wasn't aware I'd be used in the Stronger in Europe leaflet, nor was my permission asked.'
Consumer champion Martin Lewis (pictured left with his wife as he collected his OBE last year) has attacked the campaign to keep Britain in the EU after it featured his picture and a quote on a pro-Brussels leaflet it sent to voters without his permission
Under the banner 'what experts are saying about the EU referendum' it features a quote from Mr Lewis saying: 'On the balance of probability, it is more likely we'll have less money in our pockets if we vote to leave'.
Although he said it was an 'accurate' quote, he complained in a blog post today that it had been taken out of context and gave the impression he is backing the In campaign.
Mr Lewis said today: 'On its own it isn’t actually a glowing endorsement – just in the context of the leaflet it seems more.
'From memory, I then went on to explain that this doesn’t mean it will happen, it’s simply that on a 50-50 assessment, I think that is the more likely outcome, but of course no one truly knows.'
MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis, who is the most trusted voice in the EU referendum according to polling evidence, said he 'almost dropped my wallet' when he arrived home one evening to find a Stronger In Europe leaflet (pictured) on his doormat
Taking to Twitter and Facebook to vent his frustration this morning, Mr Lewis wrote: 'I wasn't aware I'd be used in the Stronger in Europe leaflet, nor was my permission asked.'
Although he said it was an 'accurate' quote, Martin Lewis complained in a blog post today that it had been taken out of context and gave the impression he is backing the In campaign
Mr Lewis expressed his 'frustration' at being used by the In campaign in several Facebook and Twitter today.
He promised his 400,000 Twitter followers he will reveal how he is voting in next month's referendum in a blog post on June 6.
Mr Lewis said he will set out the 'facts' that we know about the consequences of staying in and leaving but insisted he would not be campaigning for either side.
Writing on Facebook this morning, he said: 'I see a quote from me is being used by the Stronger in Europe leaflet. The quote is accurate, but to clarify I do not back either side.
'As so many have asked me questions on this, and wanting to know facts for EU debate. Im (sic) going to carefully write my (hopefully balanced views) should publish in a week or two.'
In a poll by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner at the end of last year Mr Lewis was found to be by far the most trusted figure on Britain's membership of the EU.
Seven in ten people surveyed said they trusted Mr Lewis on their decision, followed by entrepreneur Sir James Dyson - who is expected to vote Out - on 58 per cent.
TV presenter June Sarpong, who is backing the Stronger In Campaign, is trusted by just 19 per cent, while Stuart Rose, the chairman of the campaign, is trusted by 36 per cent, the poll found.
It said leading Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson is trusted by 54 per cent of voters, followed by In campaigner Sir John Major on 49 per cent and David Cameron on 47 per cent.
Worst album cover ever: Cameron tries to recreate famous Abbey Road album cover with Labour's Tessa Jowell - and then meets the luvvies who signed a letter claiming Brexit would make 'less imaginative'
David Cameron attempted to recreate the famous Beatles album cover by crossing Abbey Road today - with Labour grandee Dame Tessa Jowell.
He visited the Abbey Road studios in London today - where the Beatles recorded their famous song Come Together - to highlight support from more than 250 so-called 'cultural stars' for his campaign to keep Britain in the EU.
The artists, actors and musicians - including Benedict Cumberbatch and Helena Bonham Carter -have signed a 'luvvies' letter' claiming leaving the EU would make Britain 'less imaginative'.
Mr Cameron told voters to listen to the celebrities because the creative industries sector contributes £84 billion to the British economy.
But Ukip leader Nigel Farage dismissed the significance of their intervention, saying: 'They are rich luvvies, living in £5 million houses in Notting Hill - of course they want to stay in the EU. Their lives are great, they are wonderful.'
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David Cameron (left) and Dame Tessa Jowell (right) attempt to recreate the famous cover shot of the Beatles album, Abbey Road, during a visit to the studios in London
David Cameron attempted to recreate the famous 1969 Beatles' famous Abbey Road album cover (pictured)
In a letter today the stars claimed that if Britain were to leave the European Union it would become 'an outsider shouting from the wings'.
Among other signatories are the singer Paloma Faith, 50 Shades of Grey director Sam Taylor-Wood, Trainspotting director Danny Boyle, 12 Years a Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor and The Wire actor Dominic West.
Tracey Emin, Steve Coogan, Sir Patrick Stewart, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Eddie Izzard, Bill Nighy, Jenny Agutter and Jessie Ware have also signed.
As he continued his bid to persuade voters to back the Remain campaign today, Mr Cameron met leaders of the creative industries - including video game experts, film directors and actors.
On a tour around the famous Abbey Road studios he joked it was 'a bit like the Tardis'.
Mr Cameron and his culture minister Ed Vaizey met Dominic West, best known for playing Jimmy McNulty in hit-TV series The Wire, Laura Wright, the England rugby team's official national anthem singer, and artist Anish Kapoor.
Making his own case for staying in the EU, Mr Kapoor said: 'Voting to stay in Europe is a vote for a kind of idealism and that somehow has been eclipsed by various isolationist arguments.
'Isolationism in the end has to lead to death. 'This does something else. This is a positive force towards what's possible communally.'
David Cameron visited the Abbey Road studios with Dame Tessa Jowell today to highlight support from more than 250 so-called 'cultural stars' for his campaign to keep Britain in the EU
David Cameron (pictured with singer Laura Wright, left and former Labour Culture Secretary Dame Tessa Jowell, right) met Dominic West, best known for playing Jimmy McNulty in hit-TV series The Wire, Laura Wright, the England rugby team's official national anthem singer, and artist Anish Kapoor
In a letter to the Guardian newspaper today the celebrities also warned a Brexit vote could undermine the creative arts, pointing out many of them worked on projects supported by EU money.
Brexit would also undermine 'collaborating across borders' they said.
'From the smallest gallery to the biggest blockbuster, many of us have worked on projects that would never have happened without vital EU funding or by collaborating across borders,' the letter says.
'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.
'From the Bard to Bowie, British creativity inspires and influences the rest of the world,' it says.
'We believe that being part of the EU bolsters Britain's leading role on the world stage.'
'And what would 'out' really mean? 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 was organised by Britain Stronger in Europe, the official campaign to persuade voters to remain in the EU.
It has also been signed by musicians including members of the bands Hot Chip and Editors as well as Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker.
Among the writers who signed it are the poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy. Comedian Steve Coogan also signed.
Organisers reportedly hope it will broaden arguments beyond those about the economy which Remain campaigners have focused on so far.
The letter is designed to highlight the positive benefits of cultural collaboration with Britain's European neighbours.
As he continued his bid to persuade voters to back the Remain campaign today, David Cameron (pictured with Dame Tessa Jowell) met leaders of the creative industries - including video game experts, film directors and actors
Taking action: Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley (pictured left) are among the actors to have signed the letter, as has Actress Jenny Agutter (pictured right)is among high profile figures who say that the EU helps with creativity
Warning: Among the signatories are Helena Bonham Carter and Bill Nighy - their letter claims leaving the EU would make Britain 'less imaginative'
But Lord Dobbs, creator of House of Cards, who is campaigning for Brexit said: 'Our creative industries are booming because of the talent that is in Britain's DNA.
'We are world leaders in so many creative areas. From theatre to literature, video games, feature films, fashion, music and so much else, British artists lead the way and are celebrated around the globe. It's a success that has been created by the dedication, hard work and extraordinary.'
Today, David Cameron will release the findings of a survey by the Creative Industries Federation suggesting 96 per cent of members of the sector want to stay in Europe.
John Kampfner, the chief executive of the arts trade body, the Creative Industries Federation, said: 'Our members have sent a clear signal about the importance of EU membership for the continued success of the UK's fastest-growing sector.'
Sir John Sorrell, the federation's chairman, said: 'The UK creative industries are key to the way we are seen by the world and deliver a massive £84.1bn to our economy.
'Our position as a vital European creative hub is a huge part of this success – we benefit from a vast network of talented people, companies and institutions across Europe.'
Mark Pemberton, director of the Association of British Orchestras, said: 'British orchestras need open borders to tour to other European countries, providing a vital source of income at a time of diminishing public investment at home.'
Dame Jowell was criticised for sharing a platform with Mr Cameron today but addressing Jeremy Corbyn's decision to rule out doing the same, she said: 'I am a backbench member of the House of Lords - my position is rather different from the position of the leader of my party, obviously.
'I've been a lifelong pro-European and I welcome the fact that this is a cross-party campaign representing the interests of the country.
'Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader will do that with equal vigour and equal determination.
'But I've been delighted to be here today with the Prime Minister but very especially with 20 or so leading people from our great creative industries who have put forward such a powerful case as to why the creativity of this country, the creative industries of this country are stronger in Europe.'
Luvvies' letter: Star Trek star Sir Patrick Stewart and 12 Years a Slave actor Chiwetel Ejiofor are among the signatories
Music stars: Singers Paloma Faith and Jessie Ware are among a large group of musicians including members of the bands Hot Chip and Editors as well as Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, to sign the letter
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