WHAT A FARCE: Ukip fury as business leader 'SUSPENDED' after backing Brexit
ONE of Britain's top business leaders has reportedly been suspended after saying the UK would be "better off" outside the European Union.
Douglas Carswell has reacted with fury as John Longworth is suspended
John Longworth, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), backed a 'Brexit' from Brussels during a TV interview on Thursday.
He said: "With the reforms that we have received so far, the UK would be better off taking a decision to leave the European Union."
Mr Longworth has now been suspended for breaching the group's official stance of neutrality, according to the Financial Times.
This is an outrageous decision
Ukip MP Douglas Carswell reacted with fury to the reports, saying: "This is an outrageous decision.
"It shows that we are not just dealing with Project Fear, the Establishment is also prepared to bully and intimidate people to try to silence them."
He added: "I hope now that David Cameron will distance himself from this and make it clear that this sort of action is unacceptable."
The Ukip MP for Clacton urged David Cameron to condemn the 'outrageous' decision
In a statement before reports of the suspension arose, the BCC said it "will not be campaigning for either side” ahead of June's in/out vote.
A spokesman added: "The BCC will survey Chamber member companies across the UK, report their diverse views, and inform the debate.
"The BCC's Director General has been very clear where his remarks reflect his personal assessment, rather than the position of the BCC."
Phil Smith of Business West, the largest chamber in the BCC, said he was "appalled" by Mrs Longworth's comments.
He said: "Chambers up and down the country are at this time carefully listening to their members' views.
"Ensuring that we properly represent our business community in this very important and complicated issue."