ED MILIBAND launched Labour’s formal general election campaign yesterday by delivering a pro-EU speech to big business bosses.

He promised to “put the interests of Britain and British business first” by resisting Tory plans for a referendum on an EU exit.

“There could be nothing worse for our country or for our great exporting businesses than playing political games with our membership in Europe,” he said.

Labour strategists hoped his speech at the London headquarters of global finance giant Bloomberg would dispel a perception that the party was anti-business.

FTSE 100 company chiefs described a Labour-led government backed by the SNP as their “nightmare” scenario at the weekend.

Labour rammed home the message by placing an advert in the Financial Times, which featured pro-EU quotes from business figures.

But the move backfired when several of those quoted distanced themselves from the party.

And Mr Miliband’s pro-EU speech was criticised by the Communist Party of Britain, which called it a “disservice to the labour movement.”

International secretary John Foster said: “The EU requires all governments to impose ‘balanced budget’ austerity — creating the insecurity and mass unemployment that breeds racism and right-wing politics.

“Its neoliberal economics are actively anti-working class.

“Mr Miliband should heed the voices of Len McCluskey and Paul Kenny who have supported calls for a referendum and put an alternative case for free trade relations with all countries in Europe and elsewhere that respect labour rights.”

by Our News Desk