All-party group hunts agency to combat the Euro-sceptics

The European Movement is searching for an agency to create a multi-million pound autumn campaign to fight the growing wave of Euro-scepticism in the UK. The pro-Europe group is trying to attract financial and political support from the business community.

It employed McCann-Erickson two months ago to handle a recruitment and fundraising campaign. But once the money is in place it will re-open its search for an advertising agency and direct marketing company to develop business and consumer campaigns.

The all-party political group is raising money to fight the growing level of Euro-scepticism amid demands for a referendum on European monetary union. But it has a tiny budget in comparison to the estimated 20m available to Sir James Goldsmith’s Referen dum Party.

“We have a blueprint for a campaign and will be going out to agencies for the first stage of a campaign,” says the Movement’s director of communications David Vigar. “The business community needs a campaign which will influence public opinion and have a knock-on effect on politicians so they will not be frightened of the public.”

He adds: “We are planning a major financial, fully integrated marketing programme.”