Eddie Izzard talks up economic benefits of EU to Edinburgh voters

COMEDIAN Eddie Izzard has told voters in Edinburgh that the prospect of the UK leaving the European Union had become 'almost synonymous with recession'.

Comedian Eddie Izzard in Edinburgh as part of his Stand Up for Europe tour. Picture: SWNS

Izzard, on tour with his Stand Up For Europe event, said Leave campaigners had already lost the economic argument, adding that those who care about “humanity” and “their finances” should support Remain.

Speaking at the Pleasance, Izzard also encouraged young people to register to vote by the June 7 deadline to ensure their voice is heard in the referendum on June 23.

He outlined the “tremendous advantages” of being in Europe, saying: “I’m trying to live and breathe a positive campaign.” He added: “From young people’s point of view, low-cost flights to Europe – they exist because the EU pushes the prices down, roaming charges which go down to zero, extra roaming charges from next year – that’s a fantastic thing.

“Your healthcare all across Europe, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – those will disappear. If we put up the borders and block everything off, then you’re going to have to go into visas, you’ll have to get work permits if you want to work somewhere in Europe.”

He added: “Brexit is almost synonymous with recession. They’ve even stopped arguing about the economy, they’ve lost that argument.

“All the experts from the governor of the Bank of England, all the way up to [US president] Barack Obama, the World Trade Organisation – even today the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, they said it [Brexit] is going to be bad.”

Izzard, who campaigned for a No vote in Scotland ahead of the 2014 referendum, also confirmed his intention to stand for election in 2020.

“A member of parliament is where I wish to head if the people will have me,” he said.

Meanwhile, a British exit from the EU would be a process of “evolution not revolution”, Leave campaigner Michael Gove has argued. Tory Mr Gove insisted those “stoking up Project Fear” would be “surprised” by the prevailing “calm and stability” and “sense of optimism” in the event of Brexit.

The Scotsman’s EU Referendum page: Keep up to date with latest news, polls and features.

DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY